Postnatal depression: a South Australian prospective survey.
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of postnatal depression (PND) and to assess self-esteem in the early postnatal period and at 6 weeks postpartum and PND at 6 months postpartum. Women giving birth to term babies over a 6-month period, completed an Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) and a Rosenberg self-esteem scale in hospital, at 6 weeks postpartum and an EPDS only at 6 months postpartum. A total of 235 women participated in the study of which 222 (95%) returned their questionnaire at 6 weeks postpartum and 192 (82%) at 6 months postpartum. Characteristics of the women and their pregnancy outcome are presented. The EPDS identified a depressed mood in 9% of women in hospital and at 6 weeks postpartum (95% CI 5.3%-12.8%). At 6 months this had increased to 10% (95% CI 7.8%-12.2%).
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Queen Victoria Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia.
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D013021:South Australia / Q000453:epidemiology