Introduction: A deeper understanding of risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD) is essential to better target prevention and screening. An umbrella review was conducted to summarize and synthesize previously published systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Methods: Eight databases were searched in October of 2016, including PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, SCOPUS, PsycEX-TRA, and Cochrane. Studies were included if they were reviews examining one or more risk factors for PPD and published between 1996 and 2016. The final sample included 21 articles, which varied in numerous ways, including the scope of risk factors explored and statistical methods. Results: Because of methodological variations between reviews, standardized statistical aggregation was not possible. From this body of literature, 25 statistically significant risk factors emerged with 2 additional risk factors presenting inconclusive findings. The most common risk factors identified were high life stress, lack of social support, current or past abuse, prenatal depression, and marital or partner dissatisfaction. The 2 strongest risk factors for PPD were prenatal depression and current abuse. Discussion: Because untreated PPD leaves women and their children vulnerable to numerous negative short-term and long-term outcomes, a better understanding of PPD risk factors serves to improve maternal and child outcomes by allowing health care providers to better anticipate the needs of affected women.
The current article describes a review of U.S. states and the District of Columbia boards of nursing pre-licensure applications, which were collected, summarized, and evaluated to assess compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Less than one half (
n
= 21) of RN licensing boards do not ask questions about mental illness on pre-licensure applications. Of the 30 boards that ask questions about mental illness, eight focus on current disability, which is legal under the ADA. The remaining 22 boards ask non-ADA–compliant questions by targeting specific diagnoses, focusing on historical data in the absence of current impairment, and/or requiring a prediction of future impairment. Nursing boards are urged to join colleagues in law, psychology, and medicine in using ADA–acceptable applications by eliminating mental health questions or limiting them to current impairment queries. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57
(8), 17–22.]
Child maltreatment and PPD are complex issues that require careful screening by women's health care providers and clearly defined operational definitions in future research. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed.
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