DEPRESSION AMONG MOTHERS WITH PRETERM INFANTS AND THEIR STRESS-COPING STRATEGIES

This study examined the level of maternal depressive symptoms and ways of coping among mothers with preterm infants as compared with those of 50 mothers with full-term babies. It was conducted in a hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; Cox, Holden,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Social behavior and personality 2006-01, Vol.34 (7), p.877-890
Main Authors: Madu, Sylvester N., roos, Johannes J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Coping
Depression (Psychology)
Mothers
Postnatal depression
Postpartum women
Premature babies
Premature Infants
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Summary:This study examined the level of maternal depressive symptoms and ways of coping among mothers with preterm infants as compared with those of 50 mothers with full-term babies. It was conducted in a hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; Cox, Holden, & Sagovsky, 1987) and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (Folkman & Lazarus, 1988). No significant difference was found in the level of depression between the two groups. The overall level of depression found with both combined groups, was 2-3 times higher than those suggested in the literature. A positive correlation was found between the "Seeking Social Support" coping strategy and higher levels of depression among mothers of preterm infants. A positive correlation was also found among mothers of full-term infants who used the "Accepting Responsibility" coping strategy and higher levels of depression. The high number of mothers in this study identified as suffering from a depressive illness of varying severity raises concern. A clear need for professional help among this population is emphasized. Future research in this area is needed in order to better understand and effectively address this problem.
ISSN:0301-2212
1179-6391
DOI:10.2224/sbp.2006.34.7.877