Seymour-Smith M, Cruwys T, Haslam SA. More to lose? Longitudinal evidence that women whose social support declines following childbirth are at increased risk of depression.
Aust N Z J Public Health 2021;
45:338-343. [PMID:
33818864 DOI:
10.1111/1753-6405.13099]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
We examined the dynamic relationship between life changes (pregnancy and childbirth) and social support during the postpartum period.
METHODS
A large, nationally representative sample of Australian women (N=806) who completed the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey (HILDA) in the year immediately before and immediately after giving birth to a child reported on measures of perceived social support and mental health.
RESULTS
Analyses indicated a decrease in both social support and mental health after having a baby. Social support during the postpartum period - controlling for social support and mental health prior to the birth of a baby - predicted better mental health in women. However, for women who experienced a decline in social support, prenatal social support was a risk factor for a decline in mental wellbeing rather than a protective factor.
CONCLUSIONS
Women who have 'more to lose' are at increased risk of mental ill-health if they cannot maintain existing sources of social support. Implications for public health: Loss of social support during pregnancy and the postpartum period should be considered as a significant risk factor for postpartum depression in its own right and one that warrants screening and intervention.
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