The psychosocial work environment and maternal postpartum depression.
BACKGROUND
Postpartum depression is a debilitating mental disorder affecting women after childbirth. This study examined the correlates of postpartum depression at 11 weeks after childbirth, focusing on work-related stressors and applying the job demand-control-support model.


METHODS
Investigators recruited a prospective cohort of 817 employed Minnesota women when hospitalized for childbirth in 2001. Trained interviewers collected data in person and by telephone at enrollment and 5 and 11 weeks postpartum from three Minneapolis and St. Paul hospitals.


RESULTS
Results of hierarchical regression analysis showed that worse depression scores (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) were associated with higher psychological demands, lower schedule autonomy, and lower perceived control over work and family. Perceptions of control mediated the relationships of coworker support and schedule autonomy with postpartum depression scores. Study findings showed no significant buffering effects for decision latitude; however, coworker support and decision latitude appear to act as functional substitutes in reducing postpartum depressive symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings raise questions about the applicability of the job demand-control-support model to postpartum women or to postpartum depression. Future research could assess the impact of the interaction between the work and home environment on maternal postpartum depression.
Dagher
Rada K
RK
Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32610-0195, USA. rdagher@phhp.ufl.edu
McGovern
Patricia M
PM
Alexander
Bruce H
BH
Dowd
Bryan E
BE
Ukestad
Laurie K
LK
McCaffrey
David J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012931:Social Environment; D017132:Workplace