Predictors of depressive symptoms in older Japanese primiparas at 1 month post‐partum: A risk‐stratified analysis. Issue 1 (5th November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Iwata, Hiroko; Mori, Emi; Tsuchiya, Miyako; Sakajo, Akiko; Maehara, Kunie; Ozawa, Harumi; Morita, Akiko; Maekawa, Tomoko; Aoki, Kyoko; Tamakoshi, Koji
• Is Part Of: Japan journal of nursing science. Volume 13:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 155
• Publication Date: 2015-11-05
• Subjects: depression -- maternal age -- post‐partum -- primiparas -- risk; Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- East Asia -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1111/jjns.12099
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-7932

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Older maternal age has become more common in Japan. Studies suggest that older maternal age and primiparity are associated with post‐partum depression. The present study aimed to identify predictors of post‐partum depression in older Japanese primiparas at 1 month post‐partum. Methods: Participants were 479 primiparas aged 35 years and over, drawn from a prospective cohort study. Data were collected using self‐report questionnaires. Depression was measured with the Japanese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted on binary outcome variables of depression at 1 month post‐partum, along with a stratified analysis based on the risk status of depression. Results: Five predictors were identified: (i) the depression score during hospital stay; (ii) financial burden; (iii) dissatisfaction with appraisal support; (iv) physical burden in daily life; and (v) concerns about infant caretaking. Stratified analysis identified dissatisfaction with instrumental support in the low‐risk group, and the Child‐care Value Scale score as unique predictors in the high‐risk group. Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of early assessment of depressive symptoms and the provision of continuous care.