Maternal mental health in times of health service disruption: factors associated with postpartum depressive symptoms in Thailand

Prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to social isolation, disrupted healthcare services, and heightened stress, which significantly affected maternal and infant health. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a university hospital in urban Thailand from May 27, 2022 to May 4, 2023 sought to identify the biological, psychological, and social factors associated with PDSs among 125 women during the transition from COVID-19-related service disruption to recovery. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Thai Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).

Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and hierarchical multiple linear regression. The regression model, which adjusted for maternal age, education, marital status, and family income, was significant, [F(10,114) = 10.843, p < .001], and explained 48.7% of the variance in PDS scores (adjusted R² = 0.443). Family income (β = −0.235, 95%CI [− 4.348, − 0.721], p = .007), health disruption-related anxiety (β = 0.246, 95% CI [0.345, 1.562], p = .002), and social support (β = −0.640, 95% CI [− 0.316, − 0.179], p < .001) were identified as factors independently associated with PDS.

These findings highlight the importance of considering socioeconomic and psychosocial factors when identifying postpartum women who may need additional mental health support. The authors would like to thank all research coordinators. The authors acknowledge the institutional support and facilities provided by the Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University for conducting and editing this paper.

The study was funded by China Medical Board of New York, Inc., Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University. The funders were not involved in study design, data collection, analysis, or manuscript writing. Department of Obstetric and Gynaecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand Rungtip Kasak, Thiwarphorn Chalermpichai & Saowaros Pangzup Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA Correspondence to Thiwarphorn Chalermpichai.

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