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Pregnancy Intention and Post-partum Depressive Affect in Louisiana Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System

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Abstract

Background Postpartum depression is associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes for both the mother and infant. This study examines the relationship between a mother and/or her partner’s pregnancy intentions and reported post-partum depressive symptoms (PPDs). Methods Using Louisiana pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system, 2000–2003, a secondary cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 5549 mothers, stratified by race, who delivered a singleton, live birth and whose infant was still alive at the time of the survey. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted, taking into account the complex survey design. Results In multivariable models, unwanted pregnancies were associated with severe PPDs (aOR 1.76, 95 % CI 1.23–2.53). Furthermore, the association between husbands/partners’ who did not want or care about the pregnancy and mild PPDs remained for White women (aOR 1.32, 95 % CI 1.02–1.69); while among Black women, neither parent’s pregnancy intention were associated with mild or severe PPDs. Conclusions This study supports existing research demonstrating the association between pregnancy intention and PPDs. This study contributes to the limited information on the role that partner pregnancy intention plays on maternal mental health outcomes, however further discussion is needed on the impact of this role across races. Findings can be used in programs aiming to reduce adverse mental health outcomes among high-risk mothers.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Frost Foundation and the Tulane Mary Amelia Douglas Whited-Howell Community Women’s Health Education Center. The authors wish to thank the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Bureau of Family Health; specifically, Lyn Kieltyka, PhD, MPH: Lead MCH Epidemiologist, Adrienne Finley, MPH: PRAMS Coordinator.

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  1. Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA

    Elizabeth Y. Suh, Lauren Futrell Dunaway & Katherine P. Theall

  2. University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA

    Ping Ma

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  1. Elizabeth Y. Suh
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Correspondence to Katherine P. Theall.

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Suh, E.Y., Ma, P., Dunaway, L.F. et al. Pregnancy Intention and Post-partum Depressive Affect in Louisiana Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Matern Child Health J 20, 1001–1013 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-015-1885-9

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