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Prevalence of psychiatric disorders and associated risk factors in women during their postpartum period: a major public health problem and global comparison Full Text
International Journal of Women's Health, 05/15/2012
Bener A et al. – The study found clearly defined groups of women at risk for postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress. There was a marked association between stressful life events and postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress disorders.
Methods- The study was based on a face–to–face interview using a designed questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, family history, medical history, the obstetric variables of patients, and stressful life events.
- Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales.
- In the study sample, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 18.6%, 13.1%, and 8.7%, respectively.
- Young mothers and those with higher education (above secondary level) were more depressed (35.7% and 67.5%, respectively), anxious (34.9% and 68.3%, respectively), and under stress (29.7% and 62.1%, respectively) in their postpartum period.
- Postpartum working women were more stressed (60.7%) and anxious (51.8%), while housewives were more depressed (51.6%).
- Nearly half of the depressed mothers reported experiencing more than one stressful life event in their postpartum period, such as low income (41.9%; P = 0.05) or unplanned pregnancy (60.4%; P < 0.001).
- Unplanned pregnancy (OR = 1.9; P < 0.001) was the major significant correlate for postpartum depression, while a lack of family support (OR = 1.9; P < 0.001) was the major significant correlate for postpartum anxiety.
- For stress, being an older mother aged from 40 to 45 years of age (OR = 2.0; P = 0.04) and having dissatisfaction in married life (OR = 1.9; P = 0.006) were the significant correlates.