Partner relationship quality predicts later postpartum depression independently of the chronicity of depressive symptoms

Abstract

Objective: Given the lifelong implications of extended postpartum depression (PPD), research is needed to examine the social factors implicated in its development (such as relationship quality) and associated predictors. This study sought to examine the association of partner relationship quality (PRQ) and decline of sexual life (DSL) with maternal PPD at 12-15 months after childbirth. Methods: Prospective study of 294 low-income postpartum women. A structured questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) captured responses for the main outcome variable and covariates.Results: The prevalence of the main outcome (PPD at 12-15 months) was 19.1%. Using logistic regression models, low PRQ (risk ratio [RR] = 1.58, 95%CI 1.01-2.49) and DSL (RR = 1.97, 95%CI 1.23-3.15) were associated with PPD at 12-15 months even after controlling for perinatal depression. Conclusions: Late PPD (12 to 15 months after giving birth) is very common among low-income women, and is independently associated with different aspects of the couple's relationship. Improving PRQ may prevent late PPD. Future investigations are warranted.

Lived experiences of Ugandan women who had recovered from a clinical diagnosis of postpartum depression: a phenomenological study

“…Most participants reported being in strained relationships, some reported being involved in casual sexual relationships, while others defined their relationship as being engaged with a partner who had a stable relationship elsewhere and others could not clearly describe their relationship with their partners. This suggests that the claim that the quality of partner relationship was a lived experience of PPD as has been reported by a number of studies [ 38 , 47 ]. It has been reported that mothers who perceived their partners support as being less than their expectations were more likely to experience greater severity of postpartum depression symptoms [ 48 ].…”

“…Such experiences limit opportunities for the couples to share leisure activities and intimacy leading to stressful feelings. It is against this background that studies have linked increased housework and PPD [ 37 , 38 ]. Therefore, specific interventions that reduce domestic chores in low-income countries settings such as water harvesting and energy saving technologies are critical in reducing stressful experiences of these mothers thus mitigating the increasing incidence of PPD.…”

Racial Identity Clusters and Their Relation to Postpartum Maternal Functioning in Black Women

“…Barkin et al ( 2017 ) found that married women’s postpartum functioning scores were 4-points lower than single women. Poor relationship quality, non-supportive partner (Cohen et al, 2019 ), and dissatisfaction with sexual intimacy negatively influence postpartum women’s mental well-being (Faisal-Cury et al, 2021 ) and consequently, maternal functioning. The married women in this study were possibly overwhelmed due to cultural expectations of being superwoman.…”

Postnatal depression, to treat or not to treat: Long-term consequences of postnatal selective SSRI treatment on mother and child

“…It is noteworthy that PND also predicts adverse outcomes in the wider family. PND is associated with long-term partner relationship problems [6] which, in turn, is a risk factor for perinatal depression and prolonged PND courses in affected women [7][8][9]. Children born to mothers with PND also show increased difficulties in social adaptation, delayed cognitive development, and higher levels of behavioral and emotional problems [10,11].…”