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Depression among postnatal women in an urban Irish community

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Elizabeth Cryan ,
Fiona Keogh ,
Eibhlin Connolly ,
Stasia Cody ,
Ailis Quinlan  and
Ian Daly
Elizabeth Cryan
Affiliation:
Department of Adult Psychiatry, James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Ireland
Fiona Keogh
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
Eibhlin Connolly
Affiliation:
Department of Health and Children, Dublin 2, Ireland
Ailis Quinlan
Affiliation:
Community Care, Area 5, Eastern Health Board, Dublin 10, Ireland
Ian Daly
Affiliation:
St Loman's, Dublin 20, Ireland
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Abstract

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of postnatal depression in a community sample of women in a disadvantaged urban area in West Dublin, and to examine the factors which may be associated with it.

Method: All women who had a live birth in the area over a one year period were identified (944) and the self-rated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was distributed to those who could be contacted by the public health nurses. Those scoring in the depressed range (> 12) were compared to non-depressed for age, marital status, employment, parity, presence of a confidant, mode of delivery, previous miscarriage and previous psychiatric history.

Results: Contact was made with 596 women and 377 responded. Responders were older and more likely to be first time mothers, but there was no significant difference between responders and eligible population for marital status. One hundred and eight women (28.6%) scored in the depressed range. Ten sociodemographic and clinical variables were entered into a logistic regression. Scores over the threshold (> 12), suggesting clinical depression, were significantly associated with four variables, lower age, absence of a confidant, previous miscarriage and previous treatment for depression by a GP.

Conclusions: A high prevalence of postnatal depression of 28.6% was reported, which may be associated with overall high levels of social disadvantage in this sample. There were implications for the targeting of resources into such areas. The associated factors are discussed.

Keywords

Postnatal depressionPostpartum depression
Type
Original Papers
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 18 , Issue 1 , March 2001 , pp. 5 - 10
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2001

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