Work

Influencing factors of postpartum depression, anxiety, and comorbid conditions among Chinese women: A prospective study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective To examine the changes in depression, anxiety, and comorbid anxiety and depression, which are common during the perinatal period, and to explore the influencing factors of these conditions among perinatal women. Methods This prospective study recruited pregnant women from three tertiary hospitals in Nantong City, China. Overall, 635 participants completed self‐reported measurements during the third trimester and at 6 weeks postpartum. The main postpartum outcome measures were depression, anxiety, and comorbid anxiety and depression. Statistical data were expressed using percentages; χ 2 test and a disordered multiple classification logistic regression model were required. Results The incidence of postpartum depression, anxiety, and comorbidity were lower 6 weeks postpartum than during the third trimester. Postpartum women were divided into four groups according to their depression and anxiety levels. The three most important factors affecting the four postpartum groups' classification were postpartum stress, resilience, and prenatal anxiety. Compared with women without postpartum depression, anxiety, and comorbidity, stress, sleep quality, and resilience were found to be influencing factors of depression, anxiety, and comorbidity. Age, prenatal anxiety, and comorbidity influenced postpartum anxiety and comorbidity. Marital satisfaction affected postpartum comorbidity, and breast pain affected postpartum anxiety. Conclusion Postpartum women's negative emotions are affected by prenatal negative emotions and postpartum‐related factors. Given the identified risk factors for postpartum depression, anxiety, and comorbid conditions, future research should focus on testing proactive, targeted, early‐intervention strategies during pregnancy to determine their effectiveness in reducing women's negative postpartum emotions.

Source: International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics

DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.70364

Authors: Yanchi Wang, Qiuhua Cai, Xujuan Xu, Jian Gu

Institutions: Shanghai University, Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University

Language: English

Topic: Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Science and Technology Project of Nantong City