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  • Title: Postpartum depression and social support: A longitudinal study of the first six months as parents.
    Author: Zheng J, Gao L, Li H, Zhao Q.
    Journal: J Clin Nurs; 2023 Jun; 32(11-12):2652-2662. PubMed ID: 35538627.
    Abstract:
    AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to (1) investigate the changes in maternal and paternal depression, along with social support, across the 6-month postpartum period; (2) explore the relationships between maternal and paternal depression and social support during the 6-month postpartum period; and (3) compare the differences in postpartum depression and social support between mothers and fathers at 2-3 days, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postpartum. BACKGROUND: An increasing body of evidence now shows that postpartum depression affects both mothers and fathers. The notable increase in postpartum depression in China is particularly concerning. DESIGN: A longitudinal study was conducted, guided by the STROBE checklist. METHODS: 122 pairs of parents were recruited from September 2020 to October 2021 at a teaching hospital in Guangzhou, China. Data were collected from each parent at 2-3 days, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postpartum, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Social Support Rating Scale. We also acquired socio-demographic and obstetric data at 2-3 days postpartum. RESULTS: Maternal depression was lowest at 2-3 days postpartum compared with that measured at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postpartum. Maternal and paternal social support was highest at 2-3 days postpartum compared with that measured at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postpartum. Maternal depression was significantly correlated with paternal depression while maternal social support was significantly correlated with paternal social support at different time points. CONCLUSION: Postpartum depression in mothers and social support in both mothers and fathers, showed significant changes during the 6-month postpartum period. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Healthcare providers should pay attention to the mental health of both parents, view them as a team and provide both family-based and women-cantered interventions.
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