Correlates of Postpartum Maternal Functioning in a Low-Income Obstetric Population.

BACKGROUND

Perinatal mental health has been characterized primarily via depression evaluation. However, there may be advantages to complementary assessment of postpartum functional status.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with maternal functioning in low-income obstetrics patients.

DESIGN

One hundred and twenty-eight women receiving postpartum obstetrical care at a large medical center in medically underserved, Middle Georgia were screened for depressive symptoms with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The women also completed the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning and a sociodemographic survey. Multivariate analysis was performed to elucidate factors independently associated with maternal functioning.

RESULTS

Higher Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores ( p < .0001) and being married ( p = .043) were associated with decreased maternal functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Health care providers should be cognizant of the relationship between postnatal depression and maternal functioning and its potential implications for family health.