Partner relationship quality predicts later postpartum depression independently of the chronicity of depressive symptoms

Alexandre Faisal-Cury, Karen Tabb, Alicia Matijasevich

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: Given the lifelong implications of extended postpartum depression (PPD), research is needed to examine the social factors implicated in its development (such as relationship quality) and associated predictors. This study sought to examine the association of partner relationship quality (PRQ) and decline of sexual life (DSL) with maternal PPD at 12-15 months after childbirth. Methods: Prospective study of 294 low-income postpartum women. A structured questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) captured responses for the main outcome variable and covariates. Results: The prevalence of the main outcome (PPD at 12-15 months) was 19.1%. Using logistic regression models, low PRQ (risk ratio [RR] = 1.58, 95%CI 1.01-2.49) and DSL (RR = 1.97, 95%CI 1.23-3.15) were associated with PPD at 12-15 months even after controlling for perinatal depression. Conclusions: Late PPD (12 to 15 months after giving birth) is very common among low-income women, and is independently associated with different aspects of the couple’s relationship. Improving PRQ may prevent late PPD. Future investigations are warranted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)12-21
Number of pages10
JournalBrazilian Journal of Psychiatry
Volume43
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2021

Keywords

  • Marital dissatisfaction
  • Marital relationship
  • Partner relationship quality
  • Perinatal depression
  • Postpartum depression
  • Sexual functioning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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