Oral

Postpartum depression has been identified as a public health problem but we know little about the risk factors. This session highlights studies that examine maternal mental health in the perinatal and postpartum period. The papers presented in this session seek to identify risk factors associated with postpaprtum depression as well as identifying the prevalence of other mental health conditions faced by new mothers. One study, for example, concludes that mothers experiencing more stress than resiliency are more likely to suffer from postpartum depression. Another study found that perinatal anxiety is even more prevalent than depression. How can depression be ameliorated in this population? A third study found that low literacy and low self-sufficiency skills are associated with post-partum depression and calls for screening and identification of women who could benefit from interventions to improve literacy and self-sufficiency. Exercise is associated with lower levels of depression. In an interconceptional trial focusing on the prevention of post-partum depression, a fourth study examined women’s exercise habits and body image and call for more research on exercise among diverse populations of postpartum mothers.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe the relationship between stress and resiliency and post-partum depression. 2. Identify factors associated with antenatal anxiety and depression. 3. Discuss the relationship between depression and maternal self-efficacy in low-income mothers.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)