Abstract

Background: Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a common and critical complication for mothers after delivery. The present study aims to analyze the relationship between key exposures and the outcome of PPD in Nevada mothers.
Methods: Data (n=3,579) was gathered through the 2015-2016 Nevada Baby Birth Evaluation and Assessment of Risk Survey (BEARS), response rate 31.1%. This study focused on whether mothers who were diagnosed with PPD had 1) a history of pre-pregnancy depression 2) experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) 3) used cannabis and 4) had a home healthcare worker visit during pregnancy. Weighted multiple logistic regressions were conducted using SAS 9.4.
Results: There are 8.84% (n=286) mothers who reported a PPD diagnosis since delivering their new baby. After adjusting simultaneously for all other factors, pre-pregnancy depression, intimate partner violence before and/or during pregnancy and home healthcare visitor remained significant with aORs of 11.11 (p-value ≤ 0.01, 95% CI=7.81, 15.81); 3.06 (p-value ≤ 0.01, 95% CI=1.35, 6.92) and 2.54 (p-value ≤ 0.01, 95% CI=1.40, 4.95) respectively.
Conclusion: Mental and maternal healthcare must adjust care for mothers who report these exposures. PPD is a negative maternal health outcome and must be a prevention priority in public health.
Overview: The present study will explore data on several key exposure factors relating to postpartum depression in Nevada mothers utilizing data collected from the 2015-2016 Baby Birth Evaluation and Assessment of Risk Survey (BEARS). Results from this study can be used to expand and improve upon current postpartum depression screening and treatment, in both prenatal and postpartum care settings.

Keywords: Postpartum depression; Pregnancy; Mental health; Population-based; Epidemiology; Maternal health; Prenatal health