BackgroundPostpartum depression has been linked to undesirable outcomes for mother-infant dyads, interfering with childcare and breastfeeding practices. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among mothers during the postpartum period and its association with breastfeeding and postpartum experiences. MethodologyThis cross-sectional study involved mothers of hospitalized infants (n = 219) at two tertiary hospitals in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Mothers were screened for postpartum depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale with a cut-off of ≥12 for positive screening for depression. Mothers were asked to complete questionnaires on breastfeeding experience, which included breastfeeding self-efficacy and challenges. The questionnaires also collected information on postnatal experiences, including birth outcomes, anxiety and stress levels, and social support. Multiple linear regression was used to ascertain the association of postpartum depression levels with breastfeeding and postnatal experiences. ResultsOverall, 30% of mothers in this study screened positive for depression. Based on multiple linear regression, a higher score of postpartum depression was significantly associated with unpleasant breastfeeding and postnatal experiences reflected by increased scores of anxiety and stress, lower infant birth weight, increased breastfeeding problems, and lower level of social support (p < 0.005). ConclusionsMaternal emotions, birth outcomes, breastfeeding issues, and social support were associated with postpartum depression. Efforts should be made to increase maternal support, and screening for maternal depression during infant hospital stays should be encouraged.

BackgroundThe Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10-item questionnaire developed to identify women at risk for postpartum depression (PD). EPDS symptom patterns appear to vary by nation. The EPDS items and their correlation with affirmative EPDS screens have thus far been minimally studied among Malaysians. Using positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), this study aims to evaluate the EPDS-based psychometric features of individual answer items. MethodologyA cross-section of postpartum women receiving care at two tertiary care facilities in Malaysia underwent screening assessments in the course of receiving treatment. EPDS was employed with an aggregate cutoff score (≥12). EPDS items were assessed as predictors of abnormal EPDS screens. ResultsA total of 219 participants were screened, among which 66 were positive on the EPDS. EPDS item responses were collected (item responses 0-3: PPV = 0.07-0.78 and NPV = 0.93-0.22). A negative response to any item strongly predicted a negative EPDS screen (item entry = 0 and NPV = 0.93). Affirmative responses on items 8, 9, and 10 were particularly strong predictors of abnormal EPDS scores, while negative responses to items 3, 5, and 7 were strong predictors of negative EPDS scores. A substantial NPV for any item (response 0 and NPV items 1-10 = 0.93) and a moderate PPV for any affirmative response (responses 1-3, PPV items 1-10 = 0.60) were observed. ConclusionsThis is one of the few studies to examine the EPDS item responses among Malaysian women. The results suggest that depression remains prevalent in this postpartum population. Our findings reveal a robust NPV for any negative response to the individual items of the scale, a moderate PPV for any affirmative response, and a particularly robust validity for specific EPDS items. Physical complaints, rather than feelings of sadness, figure prominently in this population, suggesting a tendency among Malaysian women toward somatization.