title: Prevalence of stressful life events during pregnancy and its association with postpartum depressive symptoms.
abstract: Experiencing stressful life events (SLEs) has negative consequences for both mother and infant. This study examined the predictive contributions of (1) experiences of each SLE separately and its association with postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS), (2) experiences of cumulative number of SLEs and PDS, and (3) the cumulative experiences of SLEs across three domains (relational, financial, physical health). Georgia's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data were obtained from 2004 to 2011. Chi-square tests and a combination of weighted logistic regression models were conducted to predict self-reported PDS. Odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were reported. A total of 10,231 women were included in the analysis; 15 % of the mothers reported PDS. Arguments with partner, trouble paying bills, and separation/divorce significantly predicted increased odds of PDS. Increased odds of PDS were observed with increasing numbers of cumulative SLEs. Experiencing high stress in any domain significantly predicted PDS with the highest predictor being high stress across all domains, followed by experiencing a combination of high relational and financial stress. SLEs were associated with reporting PDS among new mothers in Georgia. It is important to assess for SLEs during prenatal care and provide resources aimed at reducing the impact of SLEs.
authors: School of Social Work, University of Georgia, 279 Williams St, Athens, GA, 30605, USA. salmward@uga.edu.|Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Health Sciences Campus, Wright Hall 100 Foster Road, Athens, GA, 30602, USA. salmward@uga.edu.
authors: Trina
authors: 0000-0003-4470-0220
authors: T
authors: Salm Ward
authors: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, 101 Buck Road, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
authors: Florence A
authors: FA
authors: Kanu
authors: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, 101 Buck Road, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
authors: Sara Wagner
authors: SW
authors: Robb
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005845:Georgia / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011247:Pregnancy; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Life stress; Postpartum depression; Pregnancy risk assessment and monitoring system (PRAMS); Prenatal stress; Principal component analysis (PCA)