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Prenatal and Postpartum Depression among Low-Income Dominican and Puerto Rican Women

Washington University in St. Louis, lzayas{at}gwbmail.wustl.edu

Katherine R. B. Jankowski

Fordham University

M. Diane McKee

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

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.

Key Words: life events • perinatal depression • pregnancy • primary care • social support

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