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Correlates of Postpartum Maternal Functioning in a Low-Income Obstetric Population
Jennifer L Barkin1, Amy McKeever2, Brad Lian3
11 Jennifer L. Barkin, PhD, Mercer University, Macon, GA, USA.
Background:
Perinatal mental health has been characterized primarily via depression evaluation. However, there may be advantages to complementary assessment of postpartum functional status.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to examine sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with maternal functioning in low-income obstetrics patients.
Design:
One hundred and twenty-eight women receiving postpartum obstetrical care at a large medical center in medically underserved, Middle Georgia were screened for depressive symptoms with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The women also completed the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning and a sociodemographic survey. Multivariate analysis was performed to elucidate factors independently associated with maternal functioning.
Results:
Higher Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores ( p < .0001) and being married ( p = .043) were associated with decreased maternal functioning.
Conclusions:
Health care providers should be cognizant of the relationship between postnatal depression and maternal functioning and its potential implications for family health.