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Social support: a predictor of postpartum depression among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women
Thesis

Social support: a predictor of postpartum depression among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women

Amber Latrice Taylor
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Drexel University
Jun 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-4087
pdf
Taylor_Amber_2012338.45 kB
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Abstract

HIV-positive women Postpartum depression Public Health
Objective: The co-morbidity of depression among HIV-positive women has been associated with increased risk of preterm or low birth babies, increased disease progression, medication adherence and poor quality of life. We report findings from a prospective cohort study evaluating rates and predictors of postpartum depression among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women. Methods: We examined associations of social support as a predictor of elevated depressive symptoms using a Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale score of [greater than or equal to] 16 in 172 HIV-negative and 61 HIV-positive women (79% African-American women). Results: A total of 35 (15%) women were classified as depressed during the postpartum period. There was a significant difference in postpartum depression (PPD) by HIV serostatus (HIV-positive 26%, HIV-negative 74% p= 0.002). Overall, women with low prenatal social support had higher rates of PPD. Of women who reported no social support, HIV-negative women had significantly higher PPD symptoms than HIV-positive women, p <0.05. Significant potential social support predictors of PPD were emotional family and partner support, ability to confide in partner and instrumental partner support, p<0.05. Conclusion: Lack of social support is a risk factor of PPD. Social support as a predictor could serve as an indicator of PPD for prevention and treatment to decrease the exacerbation of mental health problems among pregnant women. Lower rates of PPD among HIV-positive women could be the result on increased access to care. This highlights the importance of early and ongoing assessment of mental health conditions for HIV-negative women to decrease the onset of PPD symptoms.

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