Family function fully mediates the relationship between social support and perinatal depression in rural Southwest China

Abstract

Background Perinatal depression is the most common complication of gestation and childbearing affecting women and their families, and good social support and family function are considered protective and modifiable factors. This study aimed to investigate depression status and explore inter-relationships between social support and perinatal depression considering the influence of family function in rural areas of Southwest China. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. The following instruments were used: the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, the APGAR Family Care Index Scale, and the Social Support Rate Scale. A structural equation modelling was used to test the hypothesis relationships among the variables. Results A total of 490 rural antenatal (N = 249) and postpartum (N = 241) women (mean age (standard deviation), 28.17 ± 5.12) participated. We found that the prevalence of depression symptoms was 10.4%. Path analysis showed that family function had a direct negative correlation with depression (β = − 0.251, 95%CI: − 0.382 to − 0.118). Social support had a direct positive correlation with family function (β =0.293, 95%CI: 0.147 to 0.434) and had an indirect negative correlation with depression (β = − 0.074, 95%CI: − 0.139 to − 0.032), family function fully mediated the relationship between social support and depression. Conclusions Findings of this study highlight that family function should be considered as the key target for interventions aiming to lower the prevalence of perinatal depression. Family members interventions are critical to reduce depression among antenatal and postpartum women.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depressive Symptoms Among Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The total score ranges from 0 to 10 and has been divided into three levels: 0-3 indicates severe family dysfunction, 4-6 indicates moderate family dysfunction, and 7-10 indicates good family function (22,23). Previous studies have proven to excellent validity and reliability of the scale in Chinese families (22,23). In this study, Cronbach's alpha coefficient of this scale was 0.88.…”

“…The Chinese version of the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, Resolve (APGAR) index was used to evaluate participants' satisfaction with current family function, which consisted of five items, namely, adaptability, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve ( 20 , 21 ). Each item was scored 0, 1, and 2 according to its response “Hardly Ever,” “Some of the time,” and “Almost Always.” The total score ranges from 0 to 10 and has been divided into three levels: 0-3 indicates severe family dysfunction, 4-6 indicates moderate family dysfunction, and 7-10 indicates good family function ( 22 , 23 ). Previous studies have proven to excellent validity and reliability of the scale in Chinese families ( 22 , 23 ).…”

“…Each item was scored 0, 1, and 2 according to its response “Hardly Ever,” “Some of the time,” and “Almost Always.” The total score ranges from 0 to 10 and has been divided into three levels: 0-3 indicates severe family dysfunction, 4-6 indicates moderate family dysfunction, and 7-10 indicates good family function ( 22 , 23 ). Previous studies have proven to excellent validity and reliability of the scale in Chinese families ( 22 , 23 ). In this study, Cronbach's alpha coefficient of this scale was 0.88.…”

Anxiety Symptoms and Associated Factors Among Chronic Low Back Pain Patients in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The total score was ranged from 0 to 10 and classified as three levels: severely dysfunctional family (0–3 scores), moderately dysfunctional family (4–6 scores), and highly functional family (7–10 scores). This scale was validated in the previous studies with good reliability and validity in Chinese population ( 32 , 33 ). In the present study, Cronbach's α was 0.88.…”

Legal Protection for Children Victims of Postpartum Depression

“…Such conditions related to postnatal mental health are often not paid attention to and are only followed up when there are case reports (Ertan et.al, 2021). The role of the family here is also the main target in the aim of reducing depression in postpartum women (Huang et al, 2021). In addition, in a study written by Gracia Fellmeth et al stated that the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) works well as a screening tool to detect patients at risk for postpartum depression so that it can support women's mental well-being and help their treatment (Fellmeth et al, 2021).…”