title: Depression, perceived stress, and social support among first-time Chinese mothers and fathers in the postpartum period.
abstract: We compared the prevalence of depression in the postpartum period and its relationship with perceived stress and social support in first-time mothers and fathers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in mainland China with a convenience sample of 130 pairs of parents. Measures taken at 6-8 weeks after delivery included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Social Support Rating Scale. Eighteen (13.8%) of the mothers and 14 (10.8%) of the fathers were suffering from depression. No signficant differences were found in their prevalence rates. Perceived stress, social support, and partner's depression were significantly associated with depression. These findings suggest counseling, support, and routine screening for depression should be provided to both mothers and fathers.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Ling-Ling
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Sally Wai-chi
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Qing
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Mao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People / Q000523:psychology; D002681:China; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005220:Fathers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D049590:Postpartum Period; D015995:Prevalence; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*