Prenatal Depression and Its Persistence After Birth
Author Information
Author(s): Atif Rahman, Francis Creed
Primary Institution: University of Manchester
Hypothesis
What factors predict the persistence of prenatal depression beyond the first few postnatal months?
Conclusion
Women who are poor and have more psychological symptoms during pregnancy are more likely to remain depressed one year after giving birth.
Supporting Evidence
- 56% of mothers were depressed at all points of assessment.
- Persistent depression was significantly associated with poverty and having 5 or more children.
- Higher SRQ scores during pregnancy predicted persistent depression.
Takeaway
If a mom is sad during pregnancy and is poor, she might stay sad for a long time after the baby is born.
Methodology
The study followed 701 pregnant women, assessing their mental health during pregnancy and at 3, 6, and 12 months postnatal using standardized questionnaires.
Potential Biases
The study may not be generalizable due to its focus on a single rural area.
Limitations
The sample was from one rural sub-district only and did not assess physical conditions like anemia.
Participant Demographics
Participants were married women aged 17 to 40, with an average age of 27.5 years; 44% were uneducated and 4% were employed.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.1 to 1.6
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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