Postpartum depression teenage mothers: A study at Department of Medical Services, Sirindhorn Hospital, Bangkok.

Abstract

Background : The prevalence of adolescent pregnancy has been rising in the past decade. Adolescent pregnancies are increasing in the prevalence during past decade. Most of them are unexpected or unwanted, this exposes adolescent mothers to great risk of emotional problems (especially, depression). Until now, there have been few studies that target this group of mothers. We aim to study this issue of depression in adolescent mothers.

Objective : To determine the prevalence of depression 1 - 2 weeks and 4 - 6 weeks after childbirth in adolescent mothers.

Design : A cross-sectional descriptive study.

Setting : Sirindhorn Hospital

Materials and Methods : The data were collected from 147 postpartum adolescent mothers aged 14 - 18 year-old, who gave birth and admitted at Sirindhorn Hospital from December 2013 - March 2014, using 5 types of questionnaire; 1) Personal information questionnaire; 2) Thai version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (Thai-EPDS) during 1 - 2 weeks and 4 - 6 weeks postpartum; 3) Social support questionnaire (PRQ-part II); 4) Stress life eventquestionnaire; and, 5) Adaptation to Mother Role questionnaire. Univariate analysis was used to examine associated factors of depression after childbirth among this group of mothers.

Results : Of the 147 subjects, 44 of them (29.9 %) and 31 of them (25.5%) were suffering from depression during 1 - 2 weeks and 4 - 6 weeks after childbirth, respectively. Depression during 1 - 2 weeks after childbirth was associated with the age of their partner, having disturbing symptoms during pregnancy (frequent urination and weight gain), and unwanted or uncertain attitude toward current pregnancy (p < 0.05). Depression during 4 - 6 weeks after childbirth was associated with weight gain and anxiety during pregnancy (p < 0.05), and depression during 1 - 2 weeks after childbirth (p <0.01).

Conclusion : Found that the incidence of depression after childbirth was common among adolescent mothers. Ages ranged between 14 - 18 years caused. Many factors that lead to postpartum depression in adolescent mothers. To know the factors involved will help medical staff. Can provide assistance more quickly.