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Postnatal depression: a South Australian prospective survey
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Queen Victoria Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia.
Summary
Postnatal depression (PND) affected 9% of women shortly after birth and at 6 weeks, increasing to 10% by 6 months. This study tracked PND and self-esteem in early postpartum periods.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Postnatal depression (PND) is a significant concern affecting maternal mental health.
- Assessing PND and self-esteem is crucial for timely intervention and support.
- Understanding the prevalence and trajectory of PND is vital for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of postnatal depression (PND).
- To assess maternal self-esteem in the early postnatal period and at 6 weeks postpartum.
- To evaluate PND at 6 months postpartum.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study involving 235 women giving birth to term babies.
- Utilized the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) and Rosenberg self-esteem scale.
- Data collected in hospital, at 6 weeks, and at 6 months postpartum.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of depressed mood was 9% in hospital and at 6 weeks postpartum (95% CI 5.3%-12.8%).
- At 6 months postpartum, the prevalence of depressed mood increased to 10% (95% CI 7.8%-12.2%).
- Response rates were high: 95% at 6 weeks and 82% at 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Postnatal depression affects a notable percentage of women in the first six months postpartum.
- The prevalence of PND remained relatively stable but showed a slight increase by 6 months.
- Further research into self-esteem's role and effective interventions for PND is warranted.