Thank you for your interest in participating in the Harvard-Israel BIRTH Study. Please read below information about our study before you choose to begin the survey.
Dr. Sharon Dekel, Director of the Postpartum Traumatic Stress Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital and Assistant Professor of Harvard Medical School, is conducting the study, having consulted with Israeli colleagues:
- Dr. Hadas Allouche Kam, OB/GYN specialist, Hadassah Medical Center
- Dr. Inbal Reuveni, Head of Department of Psychiatry, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
- Dr. Varda Stenger, social workers and PROMs Coordinatory, Sheba Medical Center
- Prof. Eyal Sheiner, Chariman of Department of OB/GYN, Soroka University Medical Center
- Briah Foundation
The aim of the study is to learn about the effects of the October 7th massacre on pregnant women and women who recently gave birth in terms of their pregnancy, childbirth, and psychological health. 10,000 women are estimated to participate in the study.
If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete a study survey online (around 30 min to complete). You can do it in segments; (please keep the code); and skip any questions you do not want to answer. The survey will include questions about your demographics, mental and physical health, pregnancy, childbirth experience, and bonding with your infant. You'll also have an option to write in your own words a brief narrative of your recent childbirth.
Will I benefit?
The information collected in this study will help us understand the potential impact of collective and horrific traumatic events on pregnant women's health with a focus on the childbirth experience and coping following childbirth. We hope to raise awareness of the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum women in Israel to inform improvement in perinatal care. You'll have the option to receive information about perinatal and mental health resources available to women in Israel at the end of the survey completion.
Are there any possible risks from being in this research study?
You may experience emotional distress from answering the survey questions and/or writing about childbirth. Any distress is expected to be short-lived, and you are free to skip any questions you wish. We will provide you with information regarding mental health resources.
Your participation in the study is voluntary
Taking part in the Study Survey is up to you. You can stop at any time. By selecting below "I agree" you are consenting to participate in this study. If you choose not to participate or to drop out from the study, there is no penalty.
Whom to contact if you should have any questions about this research study
Dr. Sharon Dekel is the person in charge of this study. You can call her Monday through Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM at +1(617) 726-1352, or email her at sdekel@mgh.harvard.edu. You may also contact the research team via email them at mothersstudy@partners.org.
If you'd like to speak to someone not involved in this research about your rights as a research subject, or any concerns or complaints you may have about the research, contact the IRB of our hospital (Mass General Brigham IRB) at +1(857) 282-1900.