Risk factors associated with postpartum depressive symptoms: A multinational study
Helen Bradshaw1, Julia N Riddle1, Rodion Salimgaraev2
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Women's Mood Disorders Center, 550 North Broadway, Suite 305, Baltimore, MD 21025, USA.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|January 3, 2022
Summary
Postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS) were analyzed in over a million women globally. PDS decreased with maternal age, with first-time mothers and those with twin births experiencing higher rates.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Maternal Mental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS) represent a significant public health concern affecting maternal well-being.
- Identifying demographic and obstetric risk factors is crucial for early detection and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal age, parity, gestational number (singleton vs. twin), and newborn gender with self-reported postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS).
- To analyze these associations in a large, multinational sample using data from a digital health application.
Main Methods:
- Survey data collected via the Flo app from January 2018 to April 2020 from women in 138 countries.
- A survey question on emotional state was used to identify PDS. Chi-squared statistics and weighted prevalence calculations were employed.
Main Results:
- Over one million women participated; weighted mean prevalence of PDS was 11%.
- PDS prevalence decreased with increasing maternal age and was higher in first-time mothers.
- Twin births were associated with a higher symptom burden compared to singleton births, particularly in older mothers.
Conclusions:
- This study provides novel insights into PDS risk factors across a diverse international population.
- Findings can inform targeted research and clinical strategies for more effective identification and treatment of maternal depression.
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