PREDICTIVE FACTORS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Stamatina Douki, Ioannis Koutelekos
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Publication year:
2024
Authors:
- Douki Stamatina, R.N., R.M.H.N., MSC, PHD(C), Head Nurse of Pschychiatric Halfway house of “Evaggelismos” Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Koutelekos Ioannis, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing A',Technological Educational Institute of Athens
Keywords index:
Pages: 321-328
Abstract:
Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major mental health problem that is widespread and adversely affects both the health of the mother and the normal development of the child. The purpose of this review was to investigate the predictors of PPD.
Methodology: A search and review of the contemporary international literature was conducted through scientific articles and research studies concerning the risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of developing EC. Data collection was carried out using the electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and ResearchGate.
Results: From a thorough review of contemporary international literature, it became clear that the risk factors increasing the likelihood of PPD are significantly associated with sociodemographic, biological, psychological, cultural, and epigenetic indicators, such as the mother's age (<25 years), low socio-economic status, marital relationship, history of depressive or other emotional disorder, gestational diabetes, deficiency of vitamin D, lack of social support, immigration status, method of delivery (such as caesarean section), multiple births, a history of violence and abuse, the gender of the infant (female), and the infant's weight (premature and underweight).
Conclusions: This review contributed significantly to the extensive knowledge of predictors of PPD by providing reliable evidence from previous studies. However, the need for more studies in different countries was highlighted to ensure that the new data are applicable cross-culturally. Additionally, the scientific knowledge generated could be used to design mental health policies, implement appropriate preventive measures in the community, and provide appropriate treatment to mothers.
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