Postpartum depression and its correlates in middle‐class women in Hunan, China

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) has a negative impact on both infants and women. The middle‐class group is rapidly expanding with increased but unmet psychological needs. To determine the risk and its correlates of PPD in middle‐class women in Hunan, China. A sample of 306 middle‐class puerperae from obstetric wards of a large general hospital was enrolled in the study. Our results showed 55.6% middle‐class women were suspected PPD. Related risk factors included a history of complications, pregnancy stress, subjective support, and interaction effect between objective support and negative coping. The protective factors included objective support and an interaction effect between subjective support and negative coping. Early assessment and individualized guidance in terms of social support and coping to identify and prevent PPD in this population are required.

Postpartum depression and its correlates: a cross-sectional study in southeast Iran

“…Five common risk factors have been identified for PPD, including maternal characteristics, delivery characteristics, psychological factors, social support, and coping strategies [ 8 ]. Various studies have considered the socio-economic level of the mother, especially the low level of education and poor economic status, as factors related to PPD [ 9 – 11 ].…”

“…Another study showed that in addition to insufficient social support, marital disharmony, depressive symptoms during pregnancy, a history of emotional problems, and long-term neonatal problems were among the predictors of PPD [ 14 ]. Guan et al [ 8 ] showed that negative coping style was another factor associated with PPD [ 8 ].…”