J Korean Soc Biol Ther Psychiatry.  2024 Oct;30(3):52-60. 10.22802/jksbtp.2024.30.3.52.

Maternal Postpartum Depression Symptoms and Related Factors Performed Upon Discharge From Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for Premature Infants

• Kim J
• Kong NY
• Kim YT
• Jung SW
• Kim HC
• Park JH
• Lee H

• KMID: 2563218
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22802/jksbtp.2024.30.3.52

Abstract

Objectives
This study aims to investigate the prevalence and severity of postpartum depression symptoms in high-risk mothers following preterm birth upon discharge and to identify related factors and risk factors for these symptoms.
Methods
The study retrospectively analyzed medical records of women with high-risk pregnancies who delivered premature infants (gestational age ≤35 weeks and weight <2,000 g) between January 2019 and January 2024. Postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).
Results
The study included 96 mothers who gave birth to premature infants and completed both the EPDS and PHQ-9 at discharge. Mean EPDS score was 8.35±4.95, and the mean PHQ-9 score was 3.32±3.43. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and their association with various maternal and neonatal factors were analyzed. Maternal age showed a significant correlation with EPDS scores (r=0.291, p=0.004).
Conclusions
In this study, it was identified that high-risk pregnancies resulting in premature birth experience a considerable prevalence of depressive symptoms. Identifying related factors is crucial for early intervention and support for this vulnerable group.

Keyword

High-risk pregnancy; Premature; Postpartum depression; Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; Patient Health Questionnaire-9