Prevalence and incidence of perinatal depression and depressive symptoms among Mexican women.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess point and period prevalence and incidence of perinatal depression in Mexican women.

Methods: The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were administered at three points in time to 210 women: during the third trimester of pregnancy, at six weeks and at six months after delivery.

Results: Prevalence of prenatal depression was 9.0%, and 13.8% at six weeks and 13.3% at six months postpartum. Incidence of postpartum depression (PPD) was 10.0% at six weeks and 8.2% at six months. Prevalence of prenatal depressive symptoms was 16.6%; and 17.1% at six weeks and 20.0% at six months postpartum. Incidence of postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) was 11.4% at six weeks and 9.0% at six months. At six months postpartum, women with depression were younger (OR=2.45, p=0.02), had fewer years׳ schooling (OR=5.61, p=0.00), were unpartnered (OR=3.03, p=0.01), unemployed (OR=3.48, p=0.00) and poorer (OR=4.00, p=0.00) than women without depression.

Limitations: 25% of the initial sample was not retained to complete the three assessments. Non completers were younger, less educated and reported more depressive symptoms. This may have resulted in an underestimation of prevalence.

Conclusions: This is the first longitudinal study in Latin America to assess perinatal depression at three different points in times, reporting point and period prevalence and incidence of clinical depression and depressive symptoms. Most LA countries have yet to recognize the importance of providing mental health care for expectant and postpartum mothers to reduce disability in mothers and infants.