The prevalence of postpartum
depression and various maternal factors associated with
it were evaluated using healthcare data of first-time
mothers
BUSAN, South Korea,
July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a clinical condition that affects
women after childbirth, typically starting within a few weeks
postpartum. It is characterized by intense feelings of anxiety,
sadness, and fatigue, which can be prolonged. PPD can have adverse
effects on both the mother and the newborn, leading to negative
health outcomes and impaired parenting practices. Over the years,
research has linked PPD to a combination of individual and societal
factors, categorizing these influences into demographic, clinical,
socioeconomic, and psychological factors. Despite numerous studies,
the prevalence of PPD and the impact of maternal factors on
first-time adolescent mothers remain poorly understood.
To fill in the research gap, a team of researchers have
endeavored to assess the relationship between maternal factors and
the development of PPD in first-time adolescent and adult mothers.
The team led by Assistant Professor Nakyung
Jeon from the College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, South Korea conducted a retrospective study
and stratified first-time mothers into adolescents (12–19 years)
and adult mothers (20 years or greater) based on their ages.
Additionally, they evaluated the influence of different maternal
factors associated with PPD in both groups. Their research
findings were made available online on 18
October 2023 and was formally published in Volume 51, Issue
1 of Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care journal in
March 2024.
Initially, the researchers utilized first-time mothers'
electronic health records and linked them to other healthcare and
population databases. Subsequently, they conducted statistical
analysis to evaluate the maternal factors and prevalence of PPD.
They found that PPD amongst first time mothers was more predominant
in adolescent mothers by 1.5 times when compared to adult mothers.
Alarmingly, their analysis showed that adolescent mothers were less
likely to avail first trimester prenatal care, more likely to use
tobacco products and have an infection during pregnancy.
"Our study underscores the importance of integrating mental
health care into prenatal care, particularly for adolescents, to
help reduce the risk and severity of PPD. Healthcare providers can
develop and implement enhanced prenatal care programs specifically
tailored for adolescent mothers, focusing on early detection and
management of risk factors associated with PPD. These programs can
include routine mental health screenings, counselling services, and
education on the importance of prenatal care," says Dr.
Jeon.
Additionally, the researchers found that clinical history of
depression or anxiety, use of tobacco during pregnancy, and the use
of long-acting reversible contraception were significant risk
factors for PPD in both adolescent and adult mothers.
Public health campaigns and awareness programs to educate young
mothers and their families about the risks of PPD and the
importance of seeking help along with increased access to mental
healthcare and extended medical insurance coverage beyond the
postpartum period can prove to be vital for the effective
prevention and management of PPD in first-time adolescent
mothers.
Emphasizing the long-term implications of the research study,
Dr. Jeon shares, "Early detection and intervention for PPD,
particularly among adolescent mothers, can improve the overall
health outcomes for both mothers and their children. Furthermore,
by addressing mental health issues early, we can prevent the
progression of severe mental health problems, reducing the need for
intensive treatments along with decreased healthcare
costs."
Reference
Title of original paper: Comparing maternal factors
associated with postpartum depression between primiparous
adolescents and adults: A large retrospective cohort study
Journal: Birth: Issues in Perinatal
Care
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/birt.12785
About the institute
Website:
https://www.pusan.ac.kr/eng/Main.do
Media Contact:
Jae-Eun Lee
380816@email4pr.com
82 51 510 7928
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SOURCE Pusan National University