Prenatal Depression and Risk of Short Interpregnancy Interval in a Predominantly Puerto Rican Population

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Maternal Mental Health
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Short interpregnancy intervals (IPI) are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
• Puerto Rican women in the U.S. face significant disparities in birth outcomes.
• Limited research exists on depression as a risk factor for short IPI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the association between prenatal depressive symptoms and IPI.
• To investigate this relationship in a prospective cohort of predominantly Puerto Rican women.
• To identify potential risk factors for short IPI in a vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study (Proyecto Buena Salud, 2006-2011).
• Depression assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) during pregnancy.
• Short IPI defined as ≤18 months, calculated from delivery to subsequent pregnancy.

Main Results:

• 35% of women had probable minor depression (EPDS ≥13), 25% had probable major depression (EPDS ≥15).
• 20.6% of participants experienced a short IPI.
• Prenatal depression (minor or major) was associated with increased odds of short IPI (aOR 1.39-1.42).

Conclusions:

• Prenatal depressive symptoms are prevalent in this Puerto Rican cohort.
• Depression during pregnancy is associated with a modest increase in the odds of short IPI.
• Further research is needed to understand the pathways linking mental health and IPI in vulnerable groups.