Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #119058

Rada K. Dagher, MPH, PhD Cand, Health Services Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, MMC 729 Mayo Bldg 8729, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55454, 612-379-0562, ccrimmins@asph.org

VII. OBJECTIVE: This study adds to the literature on postpartum depression by longitudinally investigating the change in prevalence and predictors of maternal depression during the first 6 months postpartum, focusing on work-related stresses and supports. METHODS: We utilize secondary data* on women 18 years or older; delivering a live, singleton infant at three Twin Cities hospitals in 2001. Telephone interviews were performed at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after delivery, yielding response rates of 88% (N=716), 81% (N=661), and 76% (N=625), respectively. Longitudinal analyses employed (1) baseline covariates, including demographics, pregnancy and delivery characteristics, and (2) time-dependent covariates including job characteristics, social support, health services used, and infant sleep problems. The impact on depression scores (on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) was estimated using General Linear Models. RESULTS: Women averaged 30 years old, 78% were married, 88% were white, and 46% were primiparas. Depression prevalence was 4.2% at 6 weeks, 4.9% at 12 weeks, and 3.9% at 6 months postpartum. Variables significantly predicting a higher depression score were: Being non-white, experiencing prenatal moods, higher job stress, less job flexibility, less social support, and infant sleep problems. POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Health care providers have an important role assessing and educating women about risk factors for depression and exploring the need for resources (counseling, parenting support groups, and primary health services). Employers can support postpartum women by implementing flexible work schedules. Given the positive association between increased job stress and postpartum depression, future research should investigate determinants of women's job stress.

Learning Objectives:

• ·Describe postpartum depression symptoms and the change in prevalence over the first 6 months postpartum
• ·Identify work characteristics associated with postpartum depression
• ·Recognize the impact of demographic, family, pregnancy, and infant characteristics on postpartum depression risk
• ·Describe the steps involved in preparing data for longitudinal analyses

Keywords: Maternal Morbidity, Depression

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.