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Published on: June 13, 2021
Postpartum depressive symptoms and smoking relapse.
Alicia M Allen1, Cheryl B Prince, Patricia M Dietz
1Tobacco Use Research Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, USA. alle0299@umn.edu
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|December 20, 2008
Summary
Women experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms are nearly twice as likely to relapse to smoking after quitting during pregnancy. Early screening and treatment for postpartum depression may help prevent smoking relapse.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Reproductive Health
- Mental Health
Background:
- Depressive symptoms are linked to higher smoking relapse rates in general populations.
- Limited research exists on the connection between postpartum depression and smoking relapse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between postpartum depressive symptoms and smoking relapse.
- To identify risk factors for postpartum smoking relapse.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2004 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data from 2566 women in 16 states.
- Examined women who smoked before pregnancy and abstained during the last trimester.
- Used chi-square tests and logistic regression to assess relapse risk, controlling for confounders.
Main Results:
- Women with postpartum depressive symptoms were 1.86 times more likely to relapse to smoking.
- After adjusting for confounders, the adjusted odds ratio for relapse was 1.77.
- Demographic characteristics, pre-pregnancy smoking intensity, and time since delivery were considered.
Conclusions:
- Postpartum depressive symptoms are a significant risk factor for smoking relapse.
- Screening for and treating postpartum depression may be a strategy to reduce postpartum smoking relapse.
- Further research is recommended to explore interventions for this population.
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