Exploring the Postpartum Adjustment Questionnaire as a predictor of postpartum depression

To evaluate the usefulness of the Postpartum Adjustment Questionnaire in predicting symptoms of postpartum depression as measured by scores from the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale.

Prospective descriptive.

Mid-sized urban regional medical center.

A convenience sample of 200 English-speaking postpartum women.

Postpartum Depression Screening Scale scores and demographic data obtained at 6 weeks postpartum were compared with Postpartum Adjustment Questionnaire scores obtained before women were discharged from the hospital following delivery.

Using the total Postpartum Adjustment Questionnaire score, a cut point of 4 or higher was found to have the best positive predictive power in predicting postpartum depression symptoms. However, similar results were seen when 1 question from the Postpartum Adjustment Questionnaire was used rather than the entire survey. Overall, the Postpartum Adjustment Questionnaire had a moderate correlation (.28) with Postpartum Depression Screening Scale scores.

The Postpartum Adjustment Questionnaire may be a valid predictor of postpartum depression, although it will identify only about 40% of women who develop this condition. Using a single question to identify women at risk for postpartum depression offers a cost-effective alternative to the complete questionnaire. Further studies with larger, multiethnic samples are needed before conclusions can be drawn and definitive recommendations for practice made.