Social factors linked to postpartum depression: A mixed-methods longitudinal study

Background: There is a large body of research on the mental well-being of childbearing women focusing on the prevalence rates of antenatal and postpartum depression, and associated risk factors. However, there is a paucity of research on postpartum depression in its social context and in relation to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of mental health (Abingdon, England) England), 2007-12, Vol.16 (6), p.719-730
Main Authors: Benoit, Cecilia, Westfall, Rachel, Treloar, Adrienne E. B., Phillips, Rachel, Mikael Jansson, S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitude surveys
Birth
Depression (Psychology)
Discontent
Emotional wellbeing
Health services
longitudinal design
Maternity services
Mental health care
mixed-methods
Mothers
Patient satisfaction
Postnatal depression
Postpartum depression
Risk factors
satisfaction
Social Environment
Social factors
Social research
Womens Health Care
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Summary:Background: There is a large body of research on the mental well-being of childbearing women focusing on the prevalence rates of antenatal and postpartum depression, and associated risk factors. However, there is a paucity of research on postpartum depression in its social context and in relation to the lived experience of the mother. Aims: To investigate the association between social factors, the organization of maternity care services, and the prevalence of depression among a purposive sample of new mothers at 3 - 4 weeks and 4 - 6 months post-partum. Method: Longitudinal, mixed-methods research design. Results: Our quantitative analyses demonstrate that income and postpartum depression were linked and there was also an association between satisfaction with the birth experience and depression at 3 - 4 weeks postpartum. Thematic analysis of the qualitative interview data revealed two main sources of dissatisfaction: disruption of birth plans and inadequate support from maternity providers. Discussion & limitations: We discuss some of the benefits and limitations of our mixed-methods longitudinal study and directions for further research. Declaration of interests: None.
ISSN:0963-8237
1360-0567
DOI:10.1080/09638230701506846