Risk of postpartum depression in women with allergic disorders: A nationwide cohort study involving 1,017,507 women

Allergic symptoms and depression are prevalent ailments in childbearing age women. This study assessed the risk of maternal postpartum depression (PPD) associated with prenatal allergic disorders.

From 1,017,507 eligible women of 20-49 years old with singleton live births and 20-week or more gestational age in the birth registry of Taiwan, from 2011 to 2020, we identified cohorts with and without allergic disorders matched by propensity score in the size of 457,826. Cumulative incident PPDs in one year after births were assessed from insurance claims data. Odds ratios (OR) of PPD were measured by each allergic type and multiple types, comparing with the controls.

With an overall cumulative PPD incidence 1.25-fold higher in the allergic cohort than in the controls (0.69 % versus 0.55 %), the rate was the highest in women with asthma: 0.94 % with an adjusted OR of 1.71 (95 % CI = 1.49-1.95), followed by those with allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis. The rate increased from 0.65 % for those with one allergic disorder to 1.06 % for those with 4 or 5 disorders, and the corresponding adjusted OR increased from 1.17 (95 % CI = 1.10-1.24) to 1.92 (95 % CI = 1.36-2.69).

The claims data lack detailed information on socio-demographic status, lifestyle, laboratory result, physical activity, and family medical history.

Women with prenatal allergic disorder(s) are at an increased risk of PPD in addition to the impact of pregnancy. Prompt and efficient intervention for PPD prevention is needed for women with allergic disorders, particularly for those with asthma and multiple disorders.