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Archives of Women's Mental Health Oct 2023Working mothers are at greater risk for postpartum depression. Maternity leave characteristics, including length, wage replacement and employment protection, could have... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Working mothers are at greater risk for postpartum depression. Maternity leave characteristics, including length, wage replacement and employment protection, could have relevant implications for mothers' mental health. We propose to explore whether there is an association between maternity leave characteristics and postpartum depression.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review searching for randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, cohort or cross-sectional studies on five databases using search terms including maternity and parental leave and depression, as well as references in relevant articles. We identified 500 articles and included 23 of those. We used the EPHPP Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies to assess the quality of the studies.
RESULTS
Paid and longer maternity leaves tend to be associated with a reduction of postpartum depression symptoms in high-income countries. No studies explored the association between employment protection and postpartum depression. The quality of studies ranged from strong to weak, mostly influenced by study design.
CONCLUSION
More restrictive maternity leave policies tend to be associated with higher rates of postpartum depression, although more research needs to be conducted in the Global South.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Depression, Postpartum; Parental Leave; Cross-Sectional Studies; Time Factors; Employment; Policy
PubMed: 37458837
DOI: 10.1007/s00737-023-01350-z -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common complications of delivery and is usually disregarded. Several risk factors of PPD have been identified, but its...
BACKGROUND
Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common complications of delivery and is usually disregarded. Several risk factors of PPD have been identified, but its pathogenesis has not been completely understood. Serum bilirubin has been found to be a predictor of depression, whose relationship with PPD has not been investigated.
METHODS
Observational research was performed followed by a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. From 2017 to 2020, the clinical data of pregnant women were retrospectively extracted. Logistic regression and random forest algorithm were employed to assess the risk factors of PPD, including the serum levels of total bilirubin and direct bilirubin. To further explore their potential causality, univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) were conducted. Sensitivity analyses for MR were performed to test the robustness of causal inference.
RESULTS
A total of 1,810 patients were included in the PPD cohort, of which 631 (34.87%) were diagnosed with PPD. Compared with the control group, PPD patients had a significantly lower level of total bilirubin (9.2 μmol/L, IQR 7.7, 11.0 in PPD; 9.7 μmol/L, IQR 8.0, 12.0 in control, < 0.001) and direct bilirubin (2.0 μmol/L, IQR 1.6, 2.6 in PPD; 2.2 μmol/L, IQR 1.7, 2.9 in control, < 0.003). The prediction model identified eight independent predictive factors of PPD, in which elevated total bilirubin served as a protective factor (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.99, = 0.024). In the MR analyses, genetically predicted total bilirubin was associated with decreased risk of PPD (IVW: OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.76-0.97, = 0.006), which remained consistent after adjusting educational attainment, income, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Conversely, there is a lack of solid evidence to support the causal relationship between PPD and bilirubin.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggested that decreased total bilirubin was associated with the incidence of PPD. Future studies are warranted to investigate its potential mechanisms and illuminate the pathogenesis of PPD.
PubMed: 38525255
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1277415 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2023Numerous studies have described associations between the omega-3 index (defined as the RBC percentage of EPA and DHA) and mental conditions, but no risk stratification... (Review)
Review
Numerous studies have described associations between the omega-3 index (defined as the RBC percentage of EPA and DHA) and mental conditions, but no risk stratification or target value has gathered consensus so far. This narrative review aims to summarize the published data on the association between omega-3 index and mental illness and to contribute to the concept of an omega-3 index in the field of mental health. The bibliographic searches have been carried out in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases to find relevant English language original research studies related to that association. The study search and selection process were registered in a PRISMA flow. Thirty-six studies were included in this review examining the links between omega-3 index and postpartum depression (3), major depression (15), major depression and bipolar disorder (1), bipolar disorder (4), schizophrenia and major depression (1), schizophrenia and other psychosis (5) and dementia (7). Thirty of these studies found either significant differences in omega-3 index between patients and controls or inverse relationships between omega-3 index and disease severity. The published evidence is compelling enough to suggest omega-3 index as a risk factor for some psychiatric diseases, specifically, major depression, postpartum depression, psychosis, and dementia. In occidental populations, we propose a risk threshold of (a) 4-5% in major depression and dementia, (b) 5% in postpartum depression, and (c) 4% for psychosis transition.
PubMed: 37575565
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1200403 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Apr 2024Ketamine and esketamine has been suggested to have potential efficacy in preventing postpartum depression (PPD) recent years. The aim of this meta-analysis was to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Ketamine and esketamine has been suggested to have potential efficacy in preventing postpartum depression (PPD) recent years. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of ketamine and esketamine on PPD after cesarean delivery.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies investigating the efficacy of ketamine and esketamine in preventing PPD. The primary outcomes of this study were risk ratios (RRs) and EPDS scores (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) in relation to PPD after ketamine and esketamine. The second outcomes were the postoperative adverse events.
RESULTS
Thirteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one retrospective study including 2916 patients were analyzed, including six on the use of ketamine and eight on the use of esketamine. The risk ratios and EPDS scores of PPD were significantly decreased in the ketamine/esketamine group compared to those in the control group in one week and four weeks postoperative periods. Subgroup analyses showed that high dosage, administrated in patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) method and only esketamine exhibited a significant reduction in the incidence and EPDS scores of PPD in one week and four week postoperative. However, the incidences of postoperative adverse events, such as dizziness, diplopia, hallucination, and headache were significantly higher in the ketamine/esketamine group than that in the control group.
CONCLUSION
Ketamine and esketamine appear to be effective in preventing PPD in the one week and four week postoperative periods after cesarean delivery with moderate certainty of evidence. But they can also lead to some short-term complications too. Future high-quality studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of ketamine and esketamine in different countries.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Ketamine; Depression, Postpartum; Cesarean Section; Headache; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38286233
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.202 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Increasing evidence suggests a correlation between intestinal microbiota and the gut-brain axis; however, the causal relationship between gut microbiota and postpartum...
BACKGROUND
Increasing evidence suggests a correlation between intestinal microbiota and the gut-brain axis; however, the causal relationship between gut microbiota and postpartum depression (PPD) remains unclear.
METHODS
In this study, a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design was employed to analyze the GWAS data of gut microorganisms from the Mibiogen database and PPD data from the UK biobank. Various statistical methods, including inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted model, and MR-PRESSO, were utilized to investigate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and PPD. Additionally, sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the robustness of the findings.
RESULTS
Through MR analysis, it was found that phylum Actinobacteria (=0.014, OR=0.971, 95% CI=0.948-0.994) and genus Holdemanella (=0.023, OR=0.979, 95% CI=0.961-0.997) have protective effects on PPD, while the other two unknown genera, genus Unknown Ids 2001 (=0.025, OR=0.972,95% CI=0.947-0.996), and genus Unknown Ids 2755 (=0.012, OR=0.977, 95% CI=0.959-0.995) also has a protective effect on PPD. The sensitivity analysis results indicate that there is no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy.
CONCLUSION
This study has identified a causal association between Actinomycetota, Holdemanella, and PDD through MR analysis. These findings offer significant contributions to the development of personalized treatment approaches for PPD, encompassing interventions such as dietary modifications or microbiome interventions.
PubMed: 38887725
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1282742 -
Heliyon Sep 2023To effectively address the burden of postpartum depression (PPD), it is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of its magnitude and the factors associated with it...
BACKGROUND
To effectively address the burden of postpartum depression (PPD), it is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of its magnitude and the factors associated with it in the pastoral and hot region of the Afar Region. This will help identify the progress made thus far and highlight areas that require further attention to accelerate efforts toward reducing the impact of PPD. Notably, no previous study has examined the prevalence and associated factors of PPD specifically in pastoral communities within Ethiopia, including the Afar Region. Accordingly, we investigated the prevalence and associated factors of PPD among postpartum women in the Afar Region, Northeast Ethiopia.
METHODS
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Awsi Rasu Zone of Afar Regional State from June to July 2021. The study employed a systematic random sampling method to select a total of 302 postpartum mothers who had visited the Expanded Program of Immunisation (EPI) clinics in public health facilities within the Awsi Rasu Zone of the Afar Region. The measurement of PPD was performed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Multivariable binary logistic regression modelling was used to investigate associations between sociodemographic, obstetric and health service, and psychosocial factors with PPD.
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of PPD was 37.4% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) from 32.0% to 43.0%. Postpartum women who attained high school education were associated with a lower odds of PPD compared to those who did not attain formal schooling (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.82). Postpartum women with a family history of mental illness (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.24, 4.41), those who had trouble in infant feeding (AOR = 4.26; 95% CI: 2.32, 7.83), and those who experienced intimate partner violence (AOR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.58, 6.04) were positively associated with PPD.
CONCLUSION
The results of our study revealed that the prevalence of PPD in the Awsi Rasu Zone of the Afar Region is higher than both the national and global averages. The findings also highlighted the need for targeted interventions addressing the needs of pastoral postpartum women who experience various stressors, such as feeding difficulties and intimate partner violence.
PubMed: 37809513
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19914 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Apr 2024Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the postpartum period. Depression can decrease self-efficacy in breastfeeding by reducing the mother's... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the postpartum period. Depression can decrease self-efficacy in breastfeeding by reducing the mother's self-confidence. Considering the conflicting results regarding the relationship between postpartum depression and breastfeeding self-efficacy, this systematic review was conducted to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy and postpartum depression.
METHOD
In this systematic review, published articles in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched using English keywords "Self-efficacy, breastfeeding, breastfeeding Self-efficacy, depression, postpartum depression" without publication date limit. Data analysis was done with employing STATA14 software. Heterogeneity was assessed using I index which was 0%. Therefore, the fixed effects method was used to combine the data and perform meta-analysis.
RESULT
The results of the meta-analysis showed that based on the fixed effect method, depression was associated with decreased breastfeeding self-efficacy on the first day (SMD = 0.62, 95%CI: -0.830, -0.41, p = 0.0001) and on the third day (SMD = 0.84, 95% CI: -0.55,1.14, p = 0.0001). The Begg and Manzumdar test revealed no publication bias, with p = 0.317.
CONCLUSION
Postpartum depression may be associated with a decrease in the mother's breastfeeding self-efficacy and placing mother in a condition to pay low attention to her maternal role. Therefore, healthcare providers should provide adequate support according to the needs of mothers and develop diagnostic and treatment protocols to improve the level of maternal health.
Topics: Female; Humans; Depression, Postpartum; Self Efficacy; Breast Feeding; Mothers; Postpartum Period
PubMed: 38609849
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06465-4 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2023Some new mothers have been shown to suffer from anxiety and depression associated with insomnia during the postpartum period. Our study assessed the impact of...
BACKGROUND
Some new mothers have been shown to suffer from anxiety and depression associated with insomnia during the postpartum period. Our study assessed the impact of demographic, psychopathological, and biochemical factors on the incidence of depression in women during the early postpartum period.
METHODS
A total of 119 women were evaluated at 24-48 h postpartum with the following psychometric scales: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). In addition, blood was drawn to assay interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 10 (IL-10).
RESULTS
The factors that had the greatest impact on the risk of postpartum depression detected with the HDRS were high HARS scores and evidence of insomnia in the AIS. There were no significant differences in IL-6 or IL-10 levels in women with and without depression (based on either HDRS or EPDS scores) and insomnia (based on AIS) after childbirth. Considering demographic factors, divorced and single women were shown to be at higher risk of postpartum depression (based on EPDS scores).
LIMITATIONS
Small sample size and short observation span.
CONCLUSION
This study highlights the relationship between postpartum depression and both anxiety and insomnia and emphasises the importance to assess symptoms of anxiety and sleep quality as part of screening in women at risk of postpartum depression.
PubMed: 37840785
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1266390 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Nov 2023There is a need for effective interventions to reduce symptomatology of postpartum depression. The objective of this study was to test whether providing an ergonomic... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
There is a need for effective interventions to reduce symptomatology of postpartum depression. The objective of this study was to test whether providing an ergonomic infant carrier would reduce postpartum depression symptomatology.
METHODS
A randomized two-arm, parallel-group trial with 100 participants was conducted between February 2018 and June 2019 in a low-income community. At 30-weeks' gestation, 50 participants were randomly assigned to receive an ergonomic infant carrier and instructions on proper use (intervention group), and 50 participants were assigned to a waitlist (control group). Participants tracked the extent of their infant carrier use and completed the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) to assess postpartum depression symptomatology at 6-weeks postpartum.
RESULTS
Participants in the intervention group reported using an infant carrier significantly more often than the control group (β = 2.69, SE = 0.347, p < .001, 95 % CI = 2.08-3.41). The intervention group reported fewer depressive symptoms at 6-weeks postpartum than the control group (β = -0.541, p = .042).
LIMITATIONS
The sample size was relatively small and thus our results may not be generalizable to the general population.
CONCLUSION
Infant carrying may be a cost-effective intervention to reduce postpartum depression symptomatology. Large-scale studies are warranted to further examine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of providing carriers as an intervention to reduce postpartum depression symptomatology.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinicaltrials.gov id: NCT04376021. Data Sharing Statement: Deidentified individual participant data will not be made available because we did not obtain permission to share individual data.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT0437602; https://beta.
CLINICALTRIALS
gov/study/NCT04376021.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant; Depression, Postpartum; Postpartum Period; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
PubMed: 37586649
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.044 -
Depression Associated With Hormonal Contraceptive Use as a Risk Indicator for Postpartum Depression.JAMA Psychiatry Jul 2023Hormonal sensitivity may contribute to the risk of depression in some women, as observed during the premenstrual, postpartum, and perimenopausal phases, and when...
IMPORTANCE
Hormonal sensitivity may contribute to the risk of depression in some women, as observed during the premenstrual, postpartum, and perimenopausal phases, and when initiating hormonal contraception (HC). However, little evidence exists to support that such depressive episodes are linked across the reproductive life span.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether prior depression associated with HC initiation is coupled with a higher risk of postpartum depression (PPD) than prior depression not associated with HC initiation.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This cohort study used Danish health registry data collected from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2017, and analyzed from March 1, 2021, through January 1, 2023. All women living in Denmark born after 1978 with their first delivery between January 1, 1996, and June 30, 2017, were eligible for inclusion; 269 354 met these criteria. Women were then excluded if they had never used HC or if they had a depressive episode before 1996 or within 12 months prior to delivery.
EXPOSURES
Prior depression associated with vs not associated with HC initiation, ie, if developed within 6 months after start of an HC exposure or not. Depression was defined as a hospital diagnosis of depression or filling a prescription for antidepressant medication.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for the incidence of PPD defined as the development of depression within 6 months after first delivery.
RESULTS
Of 188 648 first-time mothers, 5722 (3.0%) (mean [SD] age, 26.7 [3.9] years) had a history of depression associated with initiation of HC use, and 18 431 (9.8%) (mean [SD] age, 27.1 [3.8] years) had a history of depression not associated with the initiation of HC. Women with HC-associated depression had a higher risk of PPD than women with prior non-HC-associated depression (crude OR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.24-1.64]; adjusted OR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.17-1.56]).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
These findings suggest that a history of HC-associated depression may be associated with a higher risk of PPD, supporting that HC-associated depression may indicate PPD susceptibility. This finding offers a novel strategy in clinical PPD risk stratification and points to the existence of a hormone-sensitive subgroup of women.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Depression, Postpartum; Depression; Cohort Studies; Contraceptive Agents; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37099310
DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.0807