Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Questionnaire Research Articles

Exploring prenatal depression and postpartum depression: Findings from a prospective cohort study at University Hospital Obstetrics in Damascus.

The perinatal period is crucial for both mother and newborn, and mental health, including prenatal and postpartum depression (PPD), is a significant aspect. Screening for these disorders allows for early treatment and helps prevent risks to both mother and child. This prospective cohort study was carried out at University Hospital Obstetrics in Damascus City. The first phase was during the third trimester of pregnancy and the second phase involved a follow-up assessment after 6 weeks of delivery. The Arabic-validated version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire (EPDS) was used. A cutoff of 13 or higher was used to determine the presence of probable depression in both assessments. Of 347 pregnant women, 38.6% had prenatal depression (PND). 295 patients have achieved the second assessment, of which 30.2% had PPD. Furthermore, 42.6% who had PND developed PPD on follow-up. Binary logistic regression indicated that PND was predicted by non-Syrian nationality, paternal absence, poor financial status, number of previous pregnancies, and a history of depression independent of pregnancy. PPD was predicted by a history of PPD, and work status. Findings underscore potential value of early screening for depressive symptoms as a predictive measure. It is recommended that women with a history of depression receive heightened attention and care, irrespective of the timing of their depressive episodes.

Empirically derived dietary patterns and postpartum depression symptoms in a large sample of Iranian women

BackgroundPostpartum Depression (PPD) is a major depressive disorder that mainly begins within one month after delivery. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between dietary patterns and the occurrence of high PPD symptoms in women participating in the initial phase of the Maternal and Child Health cohort study, Yazd, Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out in the years 2017–2019 included 1028 women after childbirth The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were study tools. The EPDS questionnaire was used to measure postpartum depression symptoms and a cut-off score of 13 was considered to indicate high PPD symptoms. The baseline data related to dietary intake was collected at the beginning of the study at the first visit after pregnancy diagnosis and the data related to depression, were collected in the second month after delivery. Dietary patterns were extracted by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Frequency (percentage) and mean (SD) were used for description. Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, independent sample t-test, and multiple logistic regression (MLR) were used for data analysis.ResultsThe incidence of high PPD symptoms was 24%. Four posterior patterns were extracted including prudent pattern, sweet and dessert pattern, junk food pattern and western pattern. A high adherence to the western pattern was associated with a higher risk of high PPD symptoms than a low adherence (ORT3/T1: 2.67; p < 0.001). A high adherence to the Prudent pattern was associated with a lower risk of high PPD symptoms than a low adherence (ORT3/T1: 0.55; p = 0.001). There are not any significant association between sweet and dessert and junk food patterns and high PPD symptoms risk (p > 0.05).ConclusionHigh adherence to prudent patterns was characterized by high intake of vegetables, fruit and juice, nuts and beans, low-fat dairy products, liquid oil, olive, eggs, fish, whole grains had a protective effect against high PPD symptoms, but the effect of western pattern was characterized by high intake of red and processed meats and organs was reverse. Therefore, it is suggested that health care providers have a particular emphasis on the healthy food patterns such as the prudent pattern.

ASSESSMENT OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IN A TERTIARY CARE INSTITUTE

Introduction: India is in a state of obstetric transition, where indirect causes of maternal morbidity and mortality are now more common. Depression is one such entity that goes unscreen and untreated, contributing to maternal morbidity. Objective: The study aimed to find the incidence of postpartum depression (PPD) in a tertiary care institute and determine the associated risk factors contributing to PPD. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, from June 1, 2020 to July 31, 2022. All the patients who were in the postpartum period and gave consent were included in the study. They were subjected to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) questionnaire, and their responses were recorded. The same patients were subjected to the same EPDS questionnaire at 6 months, and the score was calculated. A score of more than or equal to 12 was considered statistically significant for depression, and patients were referred to a psychiatrist for further evaluation and management. Results: In total, 102 were enrolled in the study. The incidence of PPD in the study participants was 12.75% at the immediate postparity period and 15.69% at 6 months postpartum. Husband’s unemployment (p&lt;0.05), low family income (p&lt;0.05), unplanned pregnancy (p&lt;0.05), development of antenatal complications (p&lt;0.05), lack of regular ANC care (p&lt;0.05), neonatal death (p&lt;0.05), bad relationship with in-laws (p&lt;0.05), and low self-esteem (p&lt;0.05) were the main contributors to the development of PPD in both immediate postpartum period as well as at 6 months postpartum. Only four patients agreed to visit the psychiatrist, the rest refused the evaluation and treatment. Conclusion: In India, despite the National mental health program 1983, maternal mental health is still not a prominent component of the program which needs to be included. Screening tools should be used to identify and treat women.

A Probiotic Intervention With Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001 on Perinatal Mood Outcomes (PROMOTE Study): Protocol for a Decentralized Randomized Controlled Trial

Perinatal mood disorders such as depression and anxiety are common, with subclinical symptomology manifesting as perinatal mood disturbances being even more prevalent. These could potentially affect breastfeeding practices and infant development. Pregnant and lactating women usually limit their exposure to medications, including those for psychological symptoms. Interestingly, the naturally occurring probiotic Bifidobacterium longum (BL) NCC3001 has been shown to reduce anxious behavior in preclinical models and feelings of low mood in nonpregnant human adults. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health issues increased, and conventionally conducted clinical trials were restricted by social distancing regulations. This study, Probiotics on Mothers' Mood and Stress (PROMOTE), aimed to use a decentralized clinical trial design to test whether BL NCC3001 can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress over the perinatal period. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, and 3-parallel-arm study aimed to recruit 180 women to evaluate the efficacy of the probiotic taken either during pregnancy and post partum (from 28-32 weeks' gestation until 12 weeks after delivery; n=60, 33.3%) or post partum only (from birth until 12 weeks after delivery; n=60, 33.3%) in comparison with a placebo control group (n=60, 33.3%). Participants consumed the probiotic or matched placebo in a drink once daily. Mood outcomes were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaires, captured electronically at baseline (28-32 weeks' gestation) and during e-study sessions over 5 further time points (36 weeks' gestation; 9 days post partum; and 4, 8, and 12 weeks post partum). Saliva and stool samples were collected longitudinally at home to provide mechanistic insights. In total, 520 women registered their interest on our website, of whom 184 (35.4%) were eligible and randomized. Of these 184 participants, 5 (2.7%) withdrew after randomization, leaving 179 (97.3%) who completed the study. Recruitment occurred between November 7, 2020, and August 20, 2021. Advertising on social media brought in 46.9% (244/520) of the prospective participants, followed by parenting-specific websites (116/520, 22.3%). Nationwide recruitment was achieved. Data processing is ongoing, and there are no outcomes to report yet. Multiple converging factors contributed to speedy recruitment and retention of participants despite COVID-19-related restrictions. This decentralized trial design sets a precedent for similar studies, in addition to potentially providing novel evidence on the impact of BL NCC3001 on symptoms of perinatal mood disturbances. This study was ideal for remote conduct: because of the high digital literacy and public trust in digital security in Singapore, the intervention could be self-administered without regular clinical monitoring, and the eligibility criteria and outcomes were measured using electronic questionnaires and self-collected biological samples. This design was particularly suited for a group considered vulnerable-pregnant women-during the challenging times of COVID-19-related social restrictions. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04685252; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04685252. DERR1-10.2196/41751.

Sosialisasi dan Penerapan Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale oleh Bidan dalam Upaya Deteksi Dini Depresi Ibu Postpartum di Muaro Jambi 2022

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that occurs after childbirth and reflects psychological dysregulation which is a sign of major depressive symptoms. Objective To provide knowledge, skills and understanding of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for midwives in the working area of Penyengat Olak Village, Kab. Muaro Jambi. Methods: used in this community service are lectures, modules, and questions and answers. This community service activity is the dissemination and application of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to midwives in the work area of Penyengat Olak Village, Kab. Muaro Jambi. The results obtained in this community service are that the success of this community service activity is evaluated based on the level of filling out the Edinburgh Postnatal depression scale questionnaire and the service team evaluates by assessing the post test on the questionnaire. There is an increase in knowledge from 75% to 100%. The conclusion of this community service is that knowledge and understanding of participants about the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale increases, the skills of participants in socializing about the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale increase

Antenatal screening timeline and cutoff scores of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale for predicting postpartum depressive symptoms in healthy women: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundIt is worthwhile to identify women at risk of developing postpartum depression during pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the optimal time and cutoff score for antenatal screening for prediction of postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS) using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and to identify risk factors for PDS.MethodsThe target population was healthy pregnant women receiving antenatal care at a university hospital in Tokyo, Japan. During the first, second, and third trimesters, 3–4 days postpartum, and one month postpartum, they were asked to take the Japanese version of the EPDS questionnaire. The primary outcome of the study was PDS, defined as an EPDS score ≥ 9 at one month postpartum. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of EPDS scores at each antenatal screening time were calculated.ResultsFrom 139 pregnant women, 129 were successfully followed up throughout the study. The number of women with an EPDS score ≥ 9 during the first, second, and third trimesters, 3–4 days postpartum, and one month postpartum were 6/126 (4.8%), 9/124 (7.3%), 5/117 (4.3%), 17/123 (13.8%), and 15/123 (12.2%), respectively. Screening during the second trimester had the highest AUC to predict PDS (0.89) among antenatal screenings. The optimal EPDS cutoff score during the second trimester was 4/5 (sensitivity: 85.7%; specificity: 77.1%; PPV: 33.3%; NPV: 97.6%). An EPDS score ≥ 5 during the second trimester (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 15.9; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 3.2–78.1) and a family history of mental illness (aOR: 4.5; 95%CI: 1.2–17.5) were significantly associated with PDS.ConclusionsOur study suggests that the EPDS score at the second trimester with the cutoff value of 4/5 may be adequate for initial screening for prediction of PDS. Women with an EPDS score ≥ 5 at the second trimester require more elaborate follow-up.

A focus on postpartum depression among Jordanian mothers.

The magnitude of postpartum depression in Jordan is under documented, and little is known about its potential sociodemographic and clinical correlates. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and risk factors associated with postpartum depression among Jordanian mothers in the first 18 months after delivery. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from April to June 2020 in Jordan. A web-based survey was used for recruiting eligible participants. An Arabic version of the validated self-administered Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire was used to measure postpartum depression with a cut-off score of ⩾12 which indicates probable depression. A total of 1,071 Jordanian women participated in the study. Of those, 567 women had postpartum depression (52.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that postpartum depression was significantly associated with marital conflict (OR: 4.91; 95% CI: 2.36-10.20), negative attitude from the pregnancy (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.45-0.99), unplanned pregnancies (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.16-2.60), lack of social support (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.12-3.32), time from last delivery (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98-1.00), insomnia (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.35-0.82), and depression during the pregnancy (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.33-0.78). Most of the participants (65.7%) sought social support to avoid, reduce, or treat postpartum depression. Postpartum depression among Jordanian women was the highest in comparison to that of women in other countries in the region. Therefore, screening for the presence of depressive symptoms should be implemented during regular pregnancy care visits. Social support should be encouraged in order to avoid, reduce, or treat postpartum depression.

Combinations of adverse childhood events and risk of postpartum depression among mothers enrolled in a home visiting program

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine how combinations of adverse childhood events (ACEs) contribute to the risk of postpartum depression and the mediating role of prenatal social support. MethodsThe Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale Questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Questionnaire were used to measure the study's exposure and outcome. Among a cohort of 419 mothers enrolled in a home visiting (HV) program, latent class analyses were used to identify classes of ACEs exposure. General linear models assessed the risk of postpartum depression, and prenatal social support was examined as a mediator. ResultsFour distinct classes of ACE exposure were identified. On the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale, mothers who were classified in Classes 1–3 scored higher by 2.6–4.4 points compared with women in Class 0. ACE class was found to be indirectly associated with postpartum depression scores through prenatal social support. ConclusionsIdentifying combinations of ACEs in an HV program has the potential to improve the characterization of ACEs among low-income perinatal women in the United States. Elucidating how these combinations contribute to the risk of postpartum depression has the potential to identify women at increased risk, which can help HV programs prioritize prevention efforts.

The effect of midwife training in strengthening the mental health of postpartum mother

Most midwives in the Cangkringan Community Health Center and Pakem Health Center are not familiar with the symptoms of blues depression. Data shows that in Cangkringan Community Health Center, blues depression occurs 60%, 2 cases due to delayed treatment (the mother almost killed her baby). In the Pakem Health Center area, blues depression occurs at 48.1%, 2 cases experience postpartum depression due to late handling, 1 mother tries suicide. If blues depression is not handled properly and immediately, it would cause postpartum depression, which can cause the worst complications, namely postpartum psychosis. One effort to overcome this is by providing midwife training on early detection and handling of blues depression accompanied by social support. Social support and spiritual training held in six steps (once in a week a during 1,5 months. The tools in this research consist of early detection for blues depression module, social support and spiritual for blues depression prevention, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire, knowledge, and skill of blues depression early detection module and social support and spiritual questionnaire. The method in this research use presentation, discussion, role-play, practice, association, and implementation. Analyze data using the quantitative descriptive approach. Research subjects are consist of 47 midwives in the Cangkringan Community Health Center and Pakem Health Center Area and 67 postpartum women in the Cangkringan Community Health Center and Pakem Health Center Area. The results show the average value of blues depression prevention knowledge is 43.45 after training increases 85,20. The average value of blues depression early detection knowledge is 57.56; after training increase 91,27. The average value of Blues depression prevention skills is 36.45, after training increase 80,25, and the average value of blues depression early detection is 51.30, after training increase 90,20. Blues Depression in postpartum women in the Cangkringan and Pakem health centers is 57%. Changes in the average value of knowledge about blues depression control before training were 43.45% to 85.20% after training increased 41.75. Changes in the average value of skills regarding prevention and early detection of blues depression before training amounted to 36.45 to 80.85 after training increased by 44.40. The whole series of training midwives in the Cangkringan Community Health Center and Pakem Health Center Area can improve the knowledge and skills of midwives to overcome blues depression in postpartum women, reduce the incidence of blues depression in postpartum women, and reduce maternal and child mortality due to postpartum mental disorders.

Early risk factors for postpartum depression: A longitudinal Japanese population-based study

BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) negatively impacts maternal health, parenting and development of children. Most previous studies on PPD risk factors are based on Western populations. Additionally, little is known about the association between psychosocial factors during early pregnancy period and PPD. We aimed to identify early risk factors for PPD until three months after delivery using a longitudinal population-based sample from Japan. MethodsThe data was collected from 1050 mothers at four time points: first trimester, after the birth, and one and three months post-delivery. Mothers who had a Japanese Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) cutoff score above 9 at one or 3 months after delivery were recognized as having PPD (n = 91/8.7%). ResultsNegative feelings about pregnancy, combined breast and bottle feeding, first-time motherhood, motherhood 24 or less years old, perceived maternal mental illness before pregnancy, and lack of social support were all significantly associated with PPD at three months after delivery. LimitationsThe data was collected from one city in Japan, which limits the generalization of the findings. Additionally, PPD was assessed by an EPDS questionnaire, and not by a clinical interview. ConclusionsEven after controlling for the perceived mental illness before pregnancy, several risk factors as early as in the first trimester were associated with PPD. These risk factors should be identified and the mothers should be offered a suitable intervention, in order to prevent the development of PPD.

The effect of acupressure therapy on mothers with postpartum blues

Postpartum blues is an event that occurs in the first week after delivery. Postpartum blues are temporary, but when they cannot be handled properly they will continue to become postpartum depression or anxiety disorders. This study aims to determine the potential of acupressure therapy for decreasing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score in mothers with postpartum blues. This research was an experimental study with one group pre-posttest design, at RSIA Sitti Khadijah I and the Kassi-Kassi Health Center in Makassar City with a sample of 30 people conducted in August-October 2019. The EPDS questionnaire was conducted before and after acupressure therapy in each respondent who fits the inclusion criteria. The results of the study showed that acupressure has the potency to decreased EPDS scores. The highest EPDS scores on the first day are 12.33, and after day 9, EPDS score has decreased to 6.86. The decrease occurs every day until the 9th day. Acupressure therapy carried out in mothers with postpartum blues decreased EPDS score in mothers with postpartum blues.

Antenatal and Postpartum Depression: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Adolescents' in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Background Maternal depression is a major public health concern as it affects both mothers and their children. Antenatal depression, which is often underdiagnosed, has been associated with preterm labour, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction. Research has demonstrated that postpartum depression is associated with mother-infant bonding impairment, child abuse, child neglect, maternal substance abuse, and self-harm. Globally, the prevalence of depression in pregnant and postpartum adolescents varies. This paper reports on the findings of the prevalence of depression and its associated risk factors among pregnant and postpartum adolescents in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods Data were generated by means of a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted between June and November 2017 utilizing a sample of 326 adolescent females accessing maternal health services in a medium-sized rural peripheral district hospital in Ugu, Southern KwaZulu-Natal. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire was used to screen participating pregnant and postnatal adolescents for depression. A cut-off score of ≥13 was used to identify pregnant and postnatal adolescents with symptoms of depression. The data were analysed using R software. Results The prevalence of depression among the pregnant participants was 15.9% (21/132), whereas it was 8.8% (17/194) among the postpartum participants. Antenatal depression was associated with physical violence (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 6.47, 95% CI 1.36-30.53, p = 0.01) and verbal abuse (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.8, 95% CI 1.5-15.16, p = 0.006). The pregnant participants who indicated they received a lot of support from their partners were 0.93% less likely to have depression. Postnatal depression was associated with physical violence (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 7.32, 95% CI 1.66-29.44, p = 0.005), verbal abuse (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.3, 95% CI 1.03-15.79, p = 0.03), and intimate partner violence (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 9.58, 95% CI 1.58-48.82, p = 0.008). Conclusion The prevalence of antenatal depression was higher than postpartum depression in the study sample. In light of the findings, maternal healthcare professionals are cautioned to consider the mental health of pregnant and postpartum adolescents who seek their services at health facilities.

Prevalence and risk factors for postpartum depression among women seen at Primary Health Care Centres in Damascus

BackgroundIn Syria, there are no previous studies on postpartum depression. The aim of this study is was identify the prevalence of postpartum depression and investigate its risk factors among Syrian women seen at the Primary Health Care Centres in Damascus.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between January and December 2017 in Damascus, Syria. Postpartum women seen at a convenience sample of the largest and well-utilized primary health care centres in Damascus were invited to participate in the study. The Arabic version of the validated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire was used to measure postpartum depression. A cut-off score of 13 was considered to indicate probable depression.ResultsOut of a total of 1105 women participated in this study, 28.2% had a score of 13 (probable Depression). The multivariate analysis showed that postpartum depression was significantly associated with a reported a health problem during last pregnancy (OR = 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–3.5); displacement (OR = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.97); perceived exposure to a lot of life stressors (OR = 5.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4–10.5); while antenatal care had a protective effect (OR = 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36–0.75).ConclusionsThe prevalence of postpartum depression among Syrian women in this study was relatively high, as compared to other Arab and Non-Arab countries. Displacement due to the Syrian crisis among other factors was associated with postpartum depression. Obstetricians and other professionals should be sensitized about the importance of screening for the problem for better management.

The Relationship Between Depression and Hypertension Incident in Pregnant Women

Background: The prevalence of hypertension in pregnancy reaches 5-15% and is one of the three causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. Risk factors for hypertension include work stress, low social support, quality of life, and the degree of depression a person has. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the relationship between depression and the incidence of hypertension. Method: This type of research is observational analytic with cross sectional approach. The study sample was a number of pregnant women in the Kalijudan Health Center as many as 38 respondents. The sampling technique is simple random sampling. Primary data obtained from examination result of the blood pressure from the respondents while conducting an examination at the Maternal and Child Health Clinic and the results of interviews using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire (EPDS) to measure the degree of depression. The analysis used was univariate and bivariate analysis using Chi-square test. Results: The study showed that 21 out of 38 respondents experiencing depression (55.30%) and 12 respondents experiencing hypertension (31.60%). Hypertension in Kalijudan Community Health Center is more common in pregnant women with characteristics in the age group of early adulthood, second trimester of pregnancy, high education, income level is greater than provincial minimum wage (UMR), and experiencing depression. Conclusion: There is a relationship between depression and the incidence of hypertension in pregnant women at Kalijudan Health Center (p = 0.01). Prevalence Ratio (PR) was obtained at 4.05 which means the pregnant women who were depressed at Kalijudan Health Center had a risk of 4.05 times greater to have hypertension compared to pregnant women who did not experience depression

Development and validation of the Mothers of Preterm Babies Postpartum Depression Scale

Postpartum depression, a common complication in childbearing women, is of great public health concern. Previous screening tools have focused on depressed mood, with less attention paid to postpartum anxiety and suicidal ideation. This study developed and validated a tool to measure postpartum depression among mothers of preterm babies. From the clinical interviews and a pilot survey (n=121) the Mothers of Preterm Babies Postpartum Depression Scale was developed. The Mothers of Preterm Babies Postpartum Depression Scale and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaires were completed by 152 mothers who delivered preterm babies at Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos. Data were analyzed with use of confirmatory factor analysis, principal component analysis, and Cronbach’s alpha at the P≤0.05 level of significance. The new scale demonstrated a reliability (α) of 0.91. Construct validity with exploratory factor analysis (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure 0.70) yielded three dimensions of cognitive and emotional difficulty (α=0.92), hopelessness and suicidal ideation (α=0.93), and physiological distress (α=0.71). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a good fit: 18 degrees of freedom; goodness of fit index 0.97; adjusted goodness of fit index 0.93; and root mean square error of approximation 0.04. Convergent validity was established with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (r=0.66, P=0.00). The new screening tool was demonstrated to have meritorious validity, faster and easier to administer to the obstetric population. Significance statement Having a baby is often marked by disturbance in mood, and the birth of a premature baby can put mothers at greater risk of psychological distress than the birth of a full-term baby. Available screening tools assess postpartum depression symptoms without consideration of mitigating sources of postpartum stress. Edinburgh Post-natal Depression scale is the commonest measure for differential diagnosis in Nigeria but limited in screening women for suicidal ideation and anxiety. This study developed a new tool that improves the efficiency of, and reduces the time spent diagnosing postpartum depression among mothers of preterm babies. Efficiency in diagnosing the pathological reaction of mothers of preterm babies to the child’s condition and the corresponding depression symptoms is highly important for implementation of cost-effective intervention by mental health practitioners.

Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of postpartum depression among women attending Postnatal and/or Children's Welfare Clinics in a Tertiary Hospital, Jos, Nigeria

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is of public health importance. Estimation of it occurrence in other parts of the developed world showed prevalence rates of approximately 10%–25%. Previous prevalence studies in crisis-ridden areas showed prevalence rates ranging from 28% to 58%. However, since the entrenchment of relative peace in Jos, Nigeria there has not been any other study to the best of the authors' knowledge. Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of PPD in a postethno-religious crisis period among women attending the Postnatal and Children's welfare clinic in a tertiary hospital, Jos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: In total, 550 women were recruited in a cross-sectional study that involved a two-stage procedure in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos, Nigeria. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire and the Depression Module of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV axis I Diagnosis were used. Results: A weighted prevalence of 21.8% of PPD was found among the participants. Age (P

Postnatal depression screening in a paediatric primary care setting in Italy

BackgroundPostnatal depression is a non-psychotic depressive disorder that begins within 4 weeks of childbirth and occurs in 13% of mothers and 10% of fathers.A prospective study with the aim to evaluate the prevalence of postnatal depression by screening parents with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in the Italian paediatric primary care setting was performed.MethodsMothers and fathers of infants born between 1 February and 31 July 2012, living in Italy’s Milan-1 local health unit area, represented the target population of this pilot study. Parents attending well-child visits at any of the family paediatricians’ offices between 60 to 90 days postpartum were asked to participate in the screening and to fill out the EPDS questionnaire. A cut-off score of 12 was used to identify parents with postnatal depression symptoms.Maternal and paternal socio-demographic variables and information concerning pregnancy and delivery were also collected.To investigate the association between screening positivity (dependent variable) and socio-demographic variables and factors related to pregnancy and delivery, a Pearson’s χ2 test was used.Moreover, a stepwise multivariate logistic regression was carried out to evaluate the risk factors that most influence the probability of suffering from postnatal depression.ResultsIn all, 126 out of 2706 (4.7%, 95% CI 3.9–5.5%) mothers and 24 out of 1420 (1.7%, 95% CI 1.0–2.4%) fathers were found to be positive for depressive symptoms. Women with mood disorders and anxiety during pregnancy were at increased risk of postpartum depression (OR 22.9, 95% CI 12.1–43.4).Only 11 mothers (8.7%) positive to EPDS screening attended a psychiatric service, and for 8 of them the diagnosis of postnatal depression was confirmed.ConclusionsThe prevalence of postnatal depression was lower than previously reported. Routine screening resulted ineffective, since few mothers found positive for depression symptoms decided to attend psychiatric services.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Antenatal Depression among Omani Women in a Primary Care Setting: Cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of antenatal depression and the risk factors associated with its development among Omani women. No previous studies on antenatal depression have been conducted in Oman. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between January and November 2014 in Muscat, Oman. Pregnant Omani women ≥32 gestational weeks who were attending one of 12 local primary care health centres in Muscat for routine antenatal care were invited to participate in the study (n = 986). An Arabic version of the validated self-administered Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire was used to measure antenatal depression. A cut-off score of ≥13 was considered to indicate probable depression. A total of 959 women participated in the study (response rate: 97.3%). Of these, 233 were found to have antenatal depression (24.3%). A bivariate analysis showed that antenatal depression was associated with unplanned pregnancies (P = 0.010), marital conflict (P = 0.001) and a family history of depression (P = 0.019). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) after logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that antenatal depression was significantly associated with unplanned pregnancies (OR: 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.86) and marital conflict (OR: 13.83; 95% CI: 2.99-63.93). The prevalence of antenatal depression among the studied Omani women was high, particularly in comparison to findings from other Arab countries. Thus, antenatal screening for depression should be considered in routine primary antenatal care. Couples should also be encouraged to seek psychological support should marital conflicts develop during pregnancy.

Rates and precipitating factors for postpartum depression following screening in consecutive births

Objective: To measure the recurrence rate and precipitating factors of postpartum depression (PPD) following universal screening using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in consecutive births. Methods: EPDS questionnaires were administered to all postpartum women at our hospital beginning in June 2008. For this study, perinatal factors were examined in relation to EPDS scores during consecutive births to identify factors in the development of PPD. Outcomes of women previously screening negative and returning for another delivery were analyzed using univariable and multivariable analysis for associations with PPD. Results: Between June 2008 and March 2010, 17 613 women were screened using EPDS questionnaires, and 3842 (22%) women returned and subsequently delivered another infant. A prior negative EPDS score significantly reduced the risk of a subsequent positive EPDS when compared with index testing (3% versus 6%; p < 0.01). Of those 3631 women previously screening negative and returning for a subsequent delivery, stillbirth and neonatal malformation were both associated with increased risk of PPD, p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively. Following logistic regression, stillbirth remained significantly associated with symptoms of PPD (aOR 7.79, 95%CI 1.5–39.5). Conclusions: While prior negative screening portends a reduced risk for PPD, stillbirth in a subsequent pregnancy remains a powerful antecedent for PPD.

Effect of labor analgesia on development of postpartum depression

Objective To evaluate the effect of labor analgesia on the development of postpartum depression. Methods Seventy nulliparous parturients who were at full term with a singleton fetus in vertex presentation, aged 20-35 yr, with body mass index<27 kg/m2, at 38-41 weeks of gestation, of ASA physical statusⅠ, were enrolled and divided into 2 groups(n=35 each)using a random number table: vaginal delivery group(group VD)and labor analgesia group(group LA). In LA group, the epidural catheter was placed at L2, 3 interspace for combined spinal-epidural analgesia when their cervical dilations were in 2-3 cm.VAS score was maintained below 3 after the analgesia.Parturients completed Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaires 42 days after the labor.The development of depression was recorded. Results The incidence of postnatal depression was significantly lower in LA group(17%)than in VD group(40%). Conclusion Labor analgesia can decrease the development of postpartum depression. Key words: Analgesia, obstetrical; Depression, postpartum