256474 Comparison between prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety: What makes the most differences?

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 : 12:55 PM - 1:10 PM

Chao-Hung Chen, MD , Department of Thoracic Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
Heng-Kien Au, MD , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
Min-Chao Huang, Dr , the Department of obstetrics and gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
Hsin-Yi Lo , School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
Li-Jen Liang , School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
Hsin-Chien Li, Dr , School of Psychiatry, Taipei Medical University, Shang Ho Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
Yi-Hua Chen, Ph D , School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Teipei, Taiwan
Background: Perinatal depression and anxiety affect approximately 6.6-25% of women. Although previous studies identify risk factors for perinatal depression, much fewer focuses on anxiety. This study thus aims to compare the prevalence and risk factors for prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety, with the differences identified. Methods: A total of 598 pregnant women with prenatal visits from August, 2011 in selected hospitals are recruited for participation. Self-reported data are collected in the hospitals using questionnaires of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, together with other potential risk factors (e.g., fetal gender, parental stress, marital adjustment, pregnancy intention, lifestyle). Multivariate regression models are used for analyses. Results: It is observed that 20.1% of pregnant mothers experience high level of depression, while 34% have moderate to high level of anxiety. During postpartum period, the prevalence of depression is about 28.6%, as the rate of anxiety is approximately 33.4%. Higher parental stress (OR=3.38, 95%CI=(1.81-6.32)) and poorer marital adjustment (OR=3.01,95%CI=(1.81-5.0)) are independently associated with antenatal anxiety. The strengths of the association are stronger for anxiety than depression. However, female fetus is not associated with either antenatal depression or anxiety. Differences in other risk factors are found and compared for perinatal depression and anxiety. Conclusions More women experience postpartum depression, in reference to prenatal depression. However, rates of perinatal anxiety are even higher than those of depression. As prenatal depression and anxiety are prevalent and deserve continued attention, various risk factors identified should be applied in different programs targeting on various populations.

Learning Areas:
Epidemiology
Public health or related education
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Evaluate and compare prevalences of prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety 2. Evaluate and compare effects of stress, fetal gender, lifestyle, pregnancy intention and other risk factors on perinatal anxiety and depression. 3. Discuss the application of various risk factors (e.g., stress, lifestyle) on the design and implementation of intervention programs to promote maternal mental health during and after pregnancy.

Keywords: Maternal Health, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to be an abstract Author on the content I am responsible for because I serve as a Principle Investigator in this project and supervise this work.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.