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Postpartum Depression in Adolescent and Adult Mothers: Comparing Prenatal Risk Factors and Predictive Models

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Abstract

Our objective was to assess whether postpartum depression risk factors differ between adolescent and adult mothers and to evaluate the need for adolescent specific screening instruments. We performed a retrospective cohort study using data from the Rhode Island Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2004–2008. We identified maternal age specific risk factors using weighted logistic regression and developed predictive models using a forward selected weighted logistic regression. Notable differences in odds ratios were observed for risk factors such as maternal race (OR Hispanic vs. White: 0.99, 95 % CI 0.49–1.99 among adolescents; 3.32, 95 % CI 2.01–5.49 among adults), pre-pregnancy alcohol use (OR use vs. non-use: 2.04, 95 % CI 1.08–3.86 among adolescents; 0.49, 95 % CI 0.33–0.73 among adults), and pregnancy intention (OR unintended vs. intended: 1.05, 95 % CI 0.37–2.97 among adolescents; 2.67, 95 % CI 1.51–4.74 among adults). In predictive models, adolescent postpartum depressive symptoms were most influenced by prior depression and social support while adult postpartum depressive symptoms were associated with risk factors including maternal race, pregnancy intention, SES, prior depression, mental health during pregnancy, stressors, and social support. We were able to identify similarities and dissimilarities in risk factors for postpartum depressive symptoms among adolescents and adults. Predictive models developed in the general population of pregnant women performed poorly among adolescents relative to age specific predictive models, suggesting that current screening tools may not adequately identify high risk adolescents.

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The authors have no conflicts of interest to report.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI, 02905, USA

    Anthony P. Nunes & Maureen G. Phipps

  2. Department of Epidemiology, Program in Public Health, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 121 S. Main Street, Providence, RI, 02905, USA

    Maureen G. Phipps

  3. Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI, 02905, USA

    Anthony P. Nunes & Maureen G. Phipps

Authors
  1. Anthony P. Nunes
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  2. Maureen G. Phipps
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Correspondence to Anthony P. Nunes or Maureen G. Phipps.

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Nunes, A.P., Phipps, M.G. Postpartum Depression in Adolescent and Adult Mothers: Comparing Prenatal Risk Factors and Predictive Models. Matern Child Health J 17, 1071–1079 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-012-1089-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-012-1089-5

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