Prevalence and Psychological Correlates of Postnatal Depression in Rural Taiwanese Women

Abstract

This descriptive longitudinal cohort study investigated the prevalence and psychological risk factors for depression in new mothers living in Pingtung County, southern Taiwan. Expectant mothers (n = 236) were recruited through antenatal clinics, and 162 participants were followed up at 6 weeks postpartum. The estimated prevalence of probable depression (at a cut-off score ≧ 13 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) was 17.3% before birth and 24.1% after birth. Several risk factors for postnatal depression were identified, including maternal self-esteem, antenatal depression, and psychiatric morbidity. The regression of intention on predictive variables yielded an adjusted R² of.70. The findings can help clinical nurses effectively recognize and implement risk mitigation plans for the health benefits of rural childbearing women.