The prevalence and determinants of antepartum mental health problems among women in the USA: a nationally representative population-based study

Abstract

Mental health problems disproportionately affect women, particularly during childbearing years. We sought to estimate the prevalence of antepartum mental health problems and determine potential risk factors in a representative USA population. We examined data on 3,051 pregnant women from 11 panels of the 1996–2006 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Poor antepartum mental health was defined by self report of mental health conditions or symptoms or a mental health rating of “fair” or “poor.” Multivariate regression analyses modeled the odds of poor antepartum mental health; 7.8% of women reported poor antepartum mental health. A history of mental health problems increased the odds of poor antepartum mental health by a factor of 8.45 (95% CI, 6.01–11.88). Multivariate analyses were stratified by history of mental health problems. Significant factors among both groups included never being married and self-reported fair/poor health status. This study identifies key risk factors associated with antepartum mental health problems in a nationally representative sample of pregnant women. Women with low social support, in poor health, or with a history of poor mental health are at an increased risk of having antepartum mental health problems. Understanding these risk factors is critical to improve the long-term health of women and their children.

The correlates of mental health of well-educated Polish women in the first pregnancy

“…In contrary to the results of previous studies carried out in different cultural circumstances (Fisher et al, 2012;Koleva et al, 2011;Witt et al, 2010), single status was not a predictor of mental health. But ''single'' may not mean ''alone, without a partner'' and so this finding may be due to the fact that the unmarried women may have been in common-law relationships.…”

Prevalence and characteristics of women reporting poor mental health during pregnancy: Findings from the 2010 French National Perinatal Survey

“…''Depression'' was reported by 10% of women and 8.7% during the first 10 days postpartum [43]. In the US, poor preconception SRMH was estimated at 6.8% in a national population-based study [4]. Prevalence of common mental health disorders has been fully described during pregnancy.…”

“…Common mental health disorders include depression and anxiety [3]. The prevalence of common mental health disorders during pregnancy has been estimated at between 8% and 13% in the United States (USA) [4,5]. Common mental health disorders have been associated with disadvantaged social position, as shown by indicators such as low educational level, low income, or absence of social support [6].…”

Racial discrimination, response to unfair treatment, and depressive symptoms among pregnant black and African American women in the United States

“…Although the causes of prenatal depression are multifactorial, previous literature provides evidence that social stressors play an important role [10,12,13]. One prevalent and understudied social stressor that may contribute to EDS during pregnancy among black or African American women is exposure to racial discrimination.…”