Fatigue as a predictor of postpartum depression.
BACKGROUND
The postpartum is a time when women commonly report increased fatigue that may contribute to depression. Studies have not examined fatigue alone as a predictor of postpartum depression.


OBJECTIVE
To examine whether and when fatigue in the early postpartum is predictive of postpartum depression.


METHODS
Correlational, longitudinal study.


METHODS
Two hospitals and participants' homes in central Pennsylvania.


METHODS
Convenience sample of 38 healthy women recruited from hospital maternity units within 24 hours after an uncomplicated birth.


METHODS
Fatigue was measured using the Modified Fatigue Symptom Checklist (MFSC) on Days 0, 7, 14, and 28 after childbirth. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depressive Symptomatology Scale (CES-D) on Day 28.


RESULTS
After adjustments for multiple comparisons, a significant correlation was obtained between fatigue as measured by the MFSC and postpartum depression on Day 7 (r = .46; p < .05), Day 14 (r = .57), and Day 28 (r = .70). Fatigue on Day 0 was correlated with fatigue on Day 7 (r = .45), Day 14 (r= .58), and Day 28 (r = .34).


CONCLUSIONS
Fatigue as early as 7 days postpartum is predictive of depression at Day 28 postpartum.
Bozoky
Ingrid
I
Pennsylvania State University School of Nursing, University Park 16802, USA.
Corwin
Elizabeth J
EJ
D000328:Adult; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010414:Pennsylvania / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors