Association between physical and depressive symptoms during the first 6 months postpartum. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mori, Emi; Iwata, Hiroko; Sakajo, Akiko; Maehara, Kunie; Tamakoshi, Koji
• Is Part Of: International journal of nursing practice. Volume 23(2017:Feb.)Supplement 1
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: cohort study -- mothers -- physical symptoms -- postpartum depression; Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Practice -- Periodicals; 610.73092
• DOI: 10.1111/ijn.12545
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1322-7114

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To examine the relationship between physical symptoms and depressive symptoms among new mothers during the first 6 months postpartum. Methods: Prospective cohort study design was used in this study. Participants were recruited in 13 Japanese hospitals between 2012 and 2013. A total of 2709 women (response rate of those invited 71.9%) provided longitudinal data using self‐report questionnaires at 5 time points: during the hospital stay and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months postpartum. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Japanese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Also, 37 physical symptoms were measured using a yes‐or‐no checklist. To examine the association between physical symptoms and depressive symptoms, logistic regression analysis was used. Results: There was a significant positive association between physical symptoms and depressive symptoms during the first 6 months postpartum. Fifteen physical symptoms were associated with significantly increased odds of depression at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months post‐partum. These symptoms included: loss of appetite, tiredness/languor, and palpitation/shortness of breath. Conclusion: Multiple physical symptoms after childbirth were associated with depressive symptomatology. Health professionals should assess for postpartum depression when puerperal women report multiple physical symptoms as independent complaints. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? About 10% to 20% of puerperal women experience postpartum depression. It is commonly believed that postpartum women will have numerous physical symptoms and this is viewed as normal. What this paper adds There is an association between physical symptoms and depression in the first 6 months postpartum. Nurses need to assess postpartum women who complain of multiple physical symptoms with attention to depression and mental health issues.