Postpartum depression and traditional postpartum care in China: Role of Zuoyuezi

• Published in: International journal of gynecology and obstetrics 2009-03, Vol.104 (3), p.209-213
• Main Authors: Wan, Ellen Y, Moyer, Cheryl A, Harlow, Siobán D, Fan, Zitian, Jie, Yan, Yang, Huixia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Biological and medical sciences; China; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression; Depression, Postpartum - ethnology; Depression, Postpartum - etiology; Depression, Postpartum - prevention & control; Family - ethnology; Family - psychology; Female; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Life Change Events; Medical sciences; Medicine, Chinese Traditional - adverse effects; Mood disorders; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Personal Satisfaction; Postnatal Care - methods; Postnatal Care - psychology; Postnatal depression; Postpartum care; Postpartum depression; Postpartum Period - ethnology; Postpartum Period - psychology; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Social Support; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome; Urban; Young Adult; Zuoyuezi
• ISSN: 0020-7292; 1879-3479
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2008.10.016

Abstract Objective To determine the relationship between the traditional Chinese practice of postpartum care, known as zuoyuezi, and postpartum depression (PPD) in China. Methods A total of 342 Chinese women were surveyed 6- to 8-weeks post partum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and items assessing sociodemographics, health history, peripartum experiences, zuoyuezi, and social support. Results Prevalence of PPD was 15.5% (EPDS cutoff ≥ 13). PPD was associated with lower income, difficult pregnancy experience, poor infant health status, not attending childbirth classes, and low spousal involvement before and after delivery. Among the 96% of women who practiced zuoyuezi, those for whom the caregiver was her mother-in-law or who perceived zuoyuezi as unhelpful had twice the odds of PPD. Conclusion These data highlight the importance of the peripartum experience in assessing PPD risk. Zuoyuezi is still commonly practiced in urban China, and further research is needed to explore its role in the potential prevention of PPD.