Correlates of Postpartum Depression in Diverse, Low-Income Women

Tuesday, 13 July 2010

Deborah Pollard, PhD, RNC, CNE
Judith Jarosinski, PhD, MS, RN
School of Nursing, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC

Learning Objective 1: identify the risk factors and related variables to postpartum depression in a group of diverse,low-income pregnant women.

Learning Objective 2: contrast the relationship between sociodemographic variables, depression, postpartum depression, self esteem, parental efficacy and stress for a diverse low-income population during the perinatal period.

Purpose: Postpartum depression continues to significantly impact women and their familes during the perinatal period.  The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of postpartum depression and the risk factors and related variables impacting the occurrence of postpartum depression in a group of diverse, low-income women.  The study contrasted the relationship between sociodemographic variables, depression, postpartum depression, self-esteem, self-efficacy, social support, stress, and postpartum depression for this population.

Methods: A descriptive, correlational design was used and incorporated both qualitative and quantitative research methods. A convenience sample of sixty mothers were surveyed during the third trimester of their pregnancy and again between 6-12 weeks following delivery.  Focus groups were used to explore perceptions and experiences during the perinatal period.  In addition, participants completed a Demographic Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Stress Scale, Maternal Confidence Questionnaire, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.

Results: Data collection is complete and results are pending completion of the data analysis.

Conclusion: Conclusions pending completion of the data analysis.