Risk Factors for Antenatal and Postnatal Depression
Author Information
Author(s): Leigh Bronwyn, Milgrom Jeannette
Primary Institution: Parent-Infant Research Institute, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital Austin Health
Hypothesis
Which previously identified risk factors are most predictive of antenatal depression, postnatal depression, and parenting stress?
Conclusion
Antenatal depression is the strongest predictor of postnatal depression, which in turn is the strongest predictor of parenting stress.
Supporting Evidence
- Antenatal depression was identified as a mediator between several risk factors and postnatal depression.
- Postnatal depression was the only significant predictor for parenting stress.
- Regression analyses explained 78% of the variance in antenatal depression.
Takeaway
This study found that feeling sad during pregnancy can lead to feeling sad after having a baby, which can make it harder to take care of the baby.
Methodology
Primipara and multiparae women were recruited from two hospitals and completed questionnaires to identify risk factors during pregnancy and after birth.
Potential Biases
Recruitment was biased towards including women screened as depressed, which may affect the results.
Limitations
The sample was under-representative of unpartnered women and those from diverse cultures, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily married, Australian-born women aged 17 to 45, with a majority having a first or second child.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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