Citation

Zayas LH, Jankowski KRB, McKee MD. Hisp. J. Behav. Sci. 2003; 25(3): 370-385.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0739986303256914

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This longitudinal study examined depression symptoms among pregnant, low-income, urban Latinas, primarily Puerto Ricans and Dominicans, receiving obstetrical services in community health centers. In all, 106 women were interviewed in late pregnancy, 47 were interviewed again 2 to 3 weeks postpartum, and 42 three months postpartum. Elevated levels of depressive symptoms were evident in 53% of the original sample. Across time, depressive symptoms decreased significantly; however, a decreased score was strongly related to number of negative life events. Social support scores were minimally related to depressive symptomatology. Service recommendations based on these findings include conducting third-trimester assessments of life events experienced during the past year and screening for depression to better identify women at risk of late pregnancy to postpartum-persistent depressive symptoms. More research and clinical attention on dysphoric states in pregnant Latinas and understanding the consequences of impaired perinatal mental health on maternal well-being and infant outcomes are needed.

Language: en