Bilszta, Justin L C; Tang, Melissa; Meyer, Denny; Milgrom, Jeannette; Ericksen, Jennifer; Buist, Anne

doi:10.1080/00048670701732731

Author(s)

Bilszta, Justin L C

Tang, Melissa

Meyer, Denny

Milgrom, Jeannette

Ericksen, Jennifer

Buist, Anne

Publication Date

2008-01-01

Abstract

In the transition to parenthood, lack of social support significantly impacts on maternal mood. This paper compares the influence of single-mother status and level of partner support in a partnered relationship, on antenatal emotional health.Antenatal demographic, psychosocial and mental health data, as determined by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score, were collected from 1578 women. The association between these variables, and marital status, was investigated using logistic regression.Sixty-two women (3.9%) were identified as single/unpartnered. Elevated EPDS scores (>12) were found in 15.2% (240/1578) of the total cohort and 25.8% (16/62) of the single/unpartnered women. EPDS scores were significantly lower for single/unpartnered women than for women with unsupportive partners (8.9+/-5.3 vs 11.9+/-6.5, p<0.001). Compared to the partnered cohort, single/unpartnered women were more likely to have experienced >or=2 weeks of depression before the current pregnancy (p<0.05), a previous psychopathology (p<0.001), emotional problems during the current pregnancy (p<0.01) and major life events in the last year (p<0.01). Binary logistic regression modelling to predict antenatal EPDS scores suggests that this is mediated by previous psychiatric history (p<0.001) and emotional problems during pregnancy (p=0.02).Women in a partnered-relationship with poor partner-derived support were at an increased risk of elevated antenatal EPDS scores compared to single/unpartnered women. A previous history of depression and current emotional problems, rather than single mother status, were significant risk factors for elevated EPDS scores. The present study reiterates the contribution of psychosocial risk factors as important mediators of antenatal emotional health.

Citation

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; 42(1): 56-65

Jornal Title

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry

OrcId

0000-0002-4082-4595

Link

https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/10476

Title

Single motherhood versus poor partner relationship: outcomes for antenatal mental health.

Type of document

Journal Article

Austin Health

Single motherhood versus poor partner relationship: outcomes for antenatal mental health.

Files:

Author(s)	Bilszta, Justin L C Tang, Melissa Meyer, Denny Milgrom, Jeannette Ericksen, Jennifer Buist, Anne
Publication Date	2008-01-01
Abstract	In the transition to parenthood, lack of social support significantly impacts on maternal mood. This paper compares the influence of single-mother status and level of partner support in a partnered relationship, on antenatal emotional health.Antenatal demographic, psychosocial and mental health data, as determined by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score, were collected from 1578 women. The association between these variables, and marital status, was investigated using logistic regression.Sixty-two women (3.9%) were identified as single/unpartnered. Elevated EPDS scores (>12) were found in 15.2% (240/1578) of the total cohort and 25.8% (16/62) of the single/unpartnered women. EPDS scores were significantly lower for single/unpartnered women than for women with unsupportive partners (8.9+/-5.3 vs 11.9+/-6.5, p<0.001). Compared to the partnered cohort, single/unpartnered women were more likely to have experienced >or=2 weeks of depression before the current pregnancy (p<0.05), a previous psychopathology (p<0.001), emotional problems during the current pregnancy (p<0.01) and major life events in the last year (p<0.01). Binary logistic regression modelling to predict antenatal EPDS scores suggests that this is mediated by previous psychiatric history (p<0.001) and emotional problems during pregnancy (p=0.02).Women in a partnered-relationship with poor partner-derived support were at an increased risk of elevated antenatal EPDS scores compared to single/unpartnered women. A previous history of depression and current emotional problems, rather than single mother status, were significant risk factors for elevated EPDS scores. The present study reiterates the contribution of psychosocial risk factors as important mediators of antenatal emotional health.
Citation	The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; 42(1): 56-65
Jornal Title	The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
OrcId	0000-0002-4082-4595
Link	https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/10476
Title	Single motherhood versus poor partner relationship: outcomes for antenatal mental health.
Type of document	Journal Article