Predictors of Postpartum Depression: Prospective Cohort Study

Purpose: This prospective cohort study was done to investigate recall bias to antepartum variables measured at postpartum periods and predictors of postpartum depression. Methods: Participants were 215 women who answered a self-administered questionnaire which included demographics, Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory-Revised and Korean version of Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale at antepartum 36-40 weeks and postpartum 2 weeks and 6 weeks. Data were analyzed using kappa, and hierarchical multiple logistic regression. Results: Agreement between antepartum variables at both antepartum and two postpartum periods was relatively high (kappa = .55- .95). Postpartum depression rates were 36.3% and 36.7% at two follow-up points. In hierarchical multiple logistic regression analysis, prenatal depression (OR = 4.32, 95% CI: 1.41-13.19; OR = 5.19, 95% CI: 1.41-19.08), social support (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.18-1.66; OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.06-1.53) and maternity blues (OR = 4.75, 95% CI: 1.89-11.98; OR = 4.22, 95% CI: 1.60-11.12) were commonly associated with postpartum depression at two follow-up points. Child care stress (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.01-3.37) was only associated with postpartum depression at 2 weeks postpartum and pregnancy intendedness (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.09-2.27) was only associated with postpartum depression at 6 weeks postpartum. Conclusions: The results indicate a need to apply nursing interventions such as prenatal education and counseling with families from antenatal period.