Postpartum depression in the mothers of preterm infants at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health.

Objective: To study the prevalence of postpartum depression in the mothers of preterm infants at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health.

Study Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at 1 to 6 months after delivery in 41 postpartum women of healthy preterm infants at the high risk clinic, Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health during 1st January to 31st December 2006. Health-related, self-report (HRSR) scale and the diagnostic screening test for depression in a Thai population were used for evaluation. Prevalence rate was calculated and analyzed, using SPSS version 12.0. The results were presented in percentage.

Results: The authors found 41 postpartum women of healthy preterm infants at the high risk clinic, Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health. The prevalence of post-partum maternal depression of preterm infants was 22 percent. It was found that all of them (9 cases) met criteria of minor depressive disorders, which needed no emergency psychiatric treatment. The mean age of depressive mothers were under 20 years old. All of the depressive mothers, educational level was lower than bachelor degree.

Conclusion: The prevalence of postpartum depression in mothers of preterm infants was 22 percent. All of them suffered from mild depression, this should raise concerns with physicians to take care and be prepared for proper management.