The effect of social support around pregnancy on postpartum depression among Canadian teen mothers and adult mothers in the maternity experiences survey

Abstract

BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that affects 10–20 percent of women, and can begin any time during first year after delivery lasting for months. Social support may decrease risk of depression during pregnancy for women. However, literature shows that the amount of social support received during and after pregnancy is different for teen mothers and adult mothers. This study examined the effects of social support received during and after pregnancy on PPD among Canadian women and identified if the relationship was different for teen mothers compared to adult mothers.MethodsThe study was based on secondary analysis of the Maternity Experiences Survey. A total of 6,421 women with singleton live births, aged 15 years and older were analyzed. Teen mothers were identified as 15–19 years old and adult mothers were identified as 20 years and older. The main outcome of the study was PPD, which was evaluated using the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale. The main independent variable was social support received during pregnancy and after birth. Logistic regression was computed to assess the relationship between social support and PPD after adjusting for confounding variables and age as an interaction term. Adjusted Odds Ratios and 95% Confidence Intervals were reported.ResultsPPD was experienced by 14.0% among teen mothers and 7.2% among adult mothers (p < .001). Overall, teen mothers reported receiving more support during pregnancy and after birth than adult mothers (p < .010). The relationship between social support and PPD did not significantly differ for teen compared to adult mothers. Both teen and adult mothers were approximately five times more likely to experience PPD if they received no support or minimal support after the birth of the baby (95% CI, 3.51-7.36).ConclusionReceiving social support especially after birth is important for mothers of all ages to reduce the risk of PPD.

Relationship, social support, and personality as psychosocial determinants of the risk for postpartum blues

“…In summary, the following patients beliefs constitute the risk factors for postpartum blues: 'I need support (need), but I will not receive as much as I need (perceived available), especially specific instructions (instrumental), and I will not admit to being in a bad mood (buffering-protective scale)' . The role of social support has been confirmed by numerous studies [16,20].…”

Association between perceived social support and anxiety in pregnant adolescents

“…25,26 However, a recently published study examining the effects of social support on Canadian women during and after pregnancy found that teenage mothers received more social support from the family during pregnancy than adult mothers. 27 The authors argue that because teenagers present more difficulties to connect with their peers, the family may end up providing more support. Despite the weak association, we can consider that older mothers have more experience in life, so that their family would not provide the same amount of support demanded by younger women.…”

Association Between Maternal Postpartum Depression and Unintentional Injury Among 4-Month-Old Infants in Japan

“…Women with an EPDS score of 9 or over were 1.88 times the likelihood of experiencing any injury (95 % CI 1.49-2.37) in the bivariate model, which remained significant even after adjusting for potential confounders (OR 1.59, 95 % CI 1.24-2.04). Regarding EPDS association The number of injuries exceeded the number of infants due to multiple answers allowed a Other injuries (n): fall from other furniture or heights (71); bruises (41); stepped on by siblings (14); bitten by siblings (7); cut by nail-scissors (6); caught fingers in other objects (3); scratches (3); nearsuffocation (3); cut wounds (2); insect bites (2); low temperature burn (2); nasal bleeding (1); oral injury due to sibling inserting toothbrush too deeply into infant's mouth (1), pulled elbow (1); bleeding from infant's nipple (1); hair caught in something (1); no injuries (15) with specific unintentional injury, women with an EPDS score of 9 or more were 1.41 times the likelihood of experiencing a fall (95 % CI 1.02-1.95). After adjusting for potential covariates, near-drowning was not significant (OR 1.49, 95 % CI 0.74-3.00).…”