Multivariate analysis of predictors of depression symptomatology after childbirth

Risk factors of postpartum depression, although relatively well investigated, remain largely unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the most relevant predictors of postpartum depressive symptomatology that are of clinical importance using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) 3-5 days and 6 to 9 weeks after childbirth.

In order to explore predictors of depression, 3-5 days after childbirth, 372 participants fulfilled several questionnaires: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Impact of Events Scale Revised (IES-R), Big Five Inventory, and questions regarding breastfeeding practice as well as social and demographic factors. Six to nine weeks after childbirth, the same participants fulfilled the following questionnaires: IES-R, EPDS and breastfeeding practice questions.

On a multivariate level of analysis, the predictors that increased the odds for postnatal depression symptomatology at the first study point were: unsuccessful breast feeding initiation (odds ratio (OR) 2.58; confidence interval (CI) 1.35-4.91) and personality traits neuroticism (OR 1.16; CI 1.07-1.25.). The predictors that increased the odds for depression symptomatology at the second study phase were: fear for labor outcome (OR 2.44; C1.03-5.80) and the baseline EPDS score (OR 3.32; CI 1.31-8.40). The predictor that decreased the odds at the second study phase was the personality trait Openness (OR 0.9; CI 0.86-0.99).

Immediately after childbirth biological and psychological factors seem to be predictive for postpartum symptomatology while later only psychological factors are of greater importance.