Intimate Partner Violence and Self-Reported Postpartum Depressive Symptoms

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10%–15% of mothers within the first year after giving birth. Younger mothers and those experiencing partner-related stress or physical abuse might be more likely to develop PPD. We analyzed data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) in 17 states for 2004–2005 to 1) assess the prevalence of self-reported postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS) among mothers by selected demographic characteristics and other possible risk factors for PDS and 2) determine factors that identify mothers most likely to develop PPD. Chi-square tests were used to test for significant differences (p<0.05) in the proportion of women reporting PDS by demographic characteristics and other possible risk factors for PDS within each of the 17 states; approximate 95% confidence intervals for these proportions were calculated. During 2004–2005, the prevalence of self-reported PDS in 17 U.S. states ranged from 11.7% (Maine) to 20.4% (New Mexico). Physical abuse before or during pregnancy was significantly associated with PDS in all 17 states. The prevalence of PDS among abused women ranged from 30.8% (Minnesota) to 52.7% (Hawaii). Of the 14 demographic characteristics and risk factors examined, physical abuse before or during pregnancy was the strongest and most consistent predictor of PDS. State and local health departments should evaluate the effectiveness of targeting mental health services to these mothers and incorporating messages about PPD into existing programs (e.g., domestic violence services) for women at higher risk.