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.

Prevalence and determinants of common perinatal mental disorders in women in low- and lower-middle-income countries: a systematic review

“…Rates of CPMD were also higher among women who were young 9,37,49 ; of a religious minority, 34 or unmarried. 13,39,55 However, other studies found no association between CPMD and maternal age 10,13,16,20,22,32,36,45,48 ; marital status 9,34,37,47 ; economic difficulties or a low income 13,22,26,32,36,45,48 ; unemployment 9,16,26,34,36,47 or adverse life events. 10,31…”

“…For example, some studies excluded women who were illiterate 34 or unable to speak the researchers' language 11,12,14,20,40,41,46,[52][53][54] or who had a personal or family history of psychiatric problems. 15,21,22,26,41,49,52,55 Such studies may have underestimated prevalence.…”

“…Thus, the findings from these studies cannot be generalized to the entire population of women who have recently given birth. The most representative samples are those recruited through rural health services in countries where more than 80% of women give birth with a skilled birth attendant, 23,25,26,48,49 or through household visits in settings where women commonly give birth at home,. 32,36,45 Samples obtained differently may have yielded inaccurate prevalence estimates ( Fig.…”

“…Eleven studies 9,10,14,18,[25][26][27][28]38,45,48 investigated the risks associated with difficult interpersonal relationships other than with the spouse. They focused in particular on conflicts between a woman and her in-laws in settings where women move into the in-laws' household after marriage.…”

A Mobile Health App�Based Postnatal Educational Program (Home-but not Alone): Descriptive Qualitative Study (Preprint)

“…Although maternal morbidities have been extensively documented, fathers also experience high levels of stress while providing care for the baby and adapting to their new role as a father [9]. Ineffective management of these stress levels have led to depression in fathers [10].…”