Sociodemographic and Obstetric Factors Related to Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in Hispanic Women in Rural California.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships among sociodemographic and obstetric factors and symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) in Hispanic women living in rural California.

DESIGN: Quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive design.

SETTING: Rural southern California communities.

PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 223 Hispanic women, ages 18 to 42 years old, with one living infant younger than 12 months old.

METHODS: Interviewer-administered Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and sociodemographic and obstetric history survey (maternal age, marital status, education, annual household income, employment, sex of infant, birth type, and number of children). Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations and predictive relationships among sociodemographic and obstetric factors and symptoms of PPD.

RESULTS: Low education levels, unemployment, cesarean birth, and more than one young child were significantly related to PPD risk (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores ≥ 10). Many of the factors associated with PPD symptoms in this sample of Hispanic women were similar to those previously reported in the literature.

CONCLUSION: Our findings highlighted the need for PPD care among Hispanic women in rural areas. Early assessment and intervention for symptoms of PPD are needed to enhance health equity and promote better health for women who live in rural communities.