Analysis of the impact factors of postpartum depression for older pregnant women

ObjectiveTo explore the factors influencing postpartum depression for older pregnant women. MethodsA total of 240 older primiparas after normal delivery in a comprehensive hospital were selected. Then, investigation was conducted using the general information questionnaire, the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) and the postpartum depression standard diagnosis questionnaire. ResultsThe rate of postpartum depression was 38.46% for older pregnant women. There were statistical differences in age, education background, occupation, annual family income, living conditions between the depression and normal groups of older pregnant woman (P<0.05). Furthermore, age, education background, occupation, annual household income, delivery mode, prenatal anxiety and social support were the influencing factors for older pregnant women with postpartum depression according to non-conditional logistic single factor analysis (P<0.05). In multi-factor logistic regression analysis, age and prenatal anxiety were the risk factors for postpartum depression in older pregnant women (P<0.05), while education background, annual family income and social support were the protective factors (P<0.05). ConclusionsThe incidence of postpartum depression is relatively high in old pregnant women, which can be attribute to multiple factors. Targeted interventions can be employed according to the specific circumstances, which can reduce the percentage of postpartum depression and improve the quality of life.