Korean J Women Health Nurs.  2022 Mar;28(1):46-55. 10.4069/kjwhn.2022.02.18.

Association of postpartum depression with postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder in Korean mothers: a longitudinal survey

• Cho H
• Koh M
• Yoo H
• Ahn S

• KMID: 2527973
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4069/kjwhn.2022.02.18

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to determine the level of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and postpartum depression (PPD) in Korean mothers with healthy babies and to explore the factors related to postpartum PTSD. Method: This study used a longitudinal survey design to explore the levels and association of PPD and PTSD. Two hundred women were recruited during pregnancy and the data were collected via online survey from 166 mothers (84% retained) who gave birth to healthy babies, at two postpartum periods: Fear of childbirth was assessed at the 1st week; and spousal support, PPD, and postpartum PTSD were surveyed at the 4th week postpartum. Demographic, obstetric, and newborn-related characteristics were also collected.
Results
The mean age of mothers was 33.12 (±3.97) years old. Postpartum PTSD was low (8.95±6.49) with 1.8% (n=3) at risk (≥19). PPD was also low (6.68±5.28) and 30.1% (n=50) were identified at risk (≥10). The comorbid rate of PPD with PTSD was 6%. Mothers who did not have a planned pregnancy had higher scores of PPD (t=2.78, p=.008), whereas spousal support and PPD had negative relationship (r=–.21, p=.006). PPD was the only variable that influenced postpartum PTSD (β=.76, t=13.76, p<.001).
Conclusion
While only 1.8% was at risk of postpartum PTSD at 4 weeks postpartum, PPD prevalence was 30.1% and PPD was the only influential factor of postpartum PTSD. Assessment and counseling of PPD are required as well as screening for postpartum PTSD. More research is also needed on postpartum PTSD in Korean women.

Keyword

Postpartum depression; Post-traumatic stress disorders; Spouse; social support; 산후 우울; 외상 후 스트레스 장애; 배우자, 사회적 지지

Reference

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