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Social dynamics of postpartum depression: a population-based screening in South-Eastern Hungary

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Abstract

Purpose

To determine contributing psychosocial factors to postnatal depression (PND) in Hungary in 1996 and in 2006.

Methods

In 1996 and 2006, a total of 2,333 and 1,619 women, respectively, were screened for PND in South-Eastern Hungary, based on a Leverton questionnaire (LQ) score of ≥12 at 6–10 weeks after delivery.

Results

The LQ scores indicated an increase in PND from 15.0% in 1996 to 17.4% in 2006. The best predictors for PND in a multiple regression analysis were living in an urban environment [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 11.26], unstable relationship (AOR = 3.1) and a perceived lack of social support from partner (AOR = 3.65) in 1996, and recent major life events (AOR = 3.38), unstable relationship (AOR = 3.84), self-reported low income (AOR = 1.82), and intention to return to work soon after delivery (AOR = 0.47) in 2006.

Conclusions

A self-defined low socioeconomic status and an intention to return to work have become significant factors in the development of PND. Besides the family factors recognized as salient variables in 1996, economic features came into prominence as newly identified main predictive factors for PND in 2006.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to express our appreciation to Professor Péter Szeverényi for his most helpful comments on earlier drafts of this paper.

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Correspondence to Zoltan Kozinszky.

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Kozinszky, Z., Dudas, R.B., Csatordai, S. et al. Social dynamics of postpartum depression: a population-based screening in South-Eastern Hungary. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 46, 413–423 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-010-0206-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-010-0206-2

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