Postnatal depression in first-time mothers: prevalence and relationships between functional and structural social support at 6 and 12 weeks postpartum

Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2011 Jun;25(3):174-84. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2010.08.005. Epub 2010 Nov 11.

Abstract

Postnatal depression (PND) is a significant public health issue, with variable prevalence and a dearth of research on risk and protective factors. This quantitative longitudinal study of 512 first-time mothers identified the prevalence of PND and examined the relationships between functional and structural social support at 6 and 12 weeks postpartum. The prevalence of PND was 13.2% at 6 weeks and 9.8% at 12 weeks. At 6 and 12 weeks, the only social support dimension independently associated with PND was total functional social support. At-birth formal structural support and emotional functional support were independently predictive of PND at 12 weeks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Depression, Postpartum / epidemiology
  • Depression, Postpartum / etiology
  • Depression, Postpartum / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ireland / epidemiology
  • Logistic Models
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Odds Ratio
  • Parity
  • Postpartum Period / psychology*
  • Prevalence
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Support*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult