Incidence and risk factors associated with postpartum depression among women of advanced maternal age from Guangzhou, China.

Purpose: To investigate whether advanced maternal age (AMA) increases the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) at 6 weeks after birth and to explore the risk factors.

Design And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 6 weeks postpartum. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and a self-designed questionnaire were administered to participants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine risk factors.

Findings: The prevalence of PPD in women of AMA was 18.0%. Poor relationships with mothers-in-law, female fetus, inconsistency between expected sex and actual sex and primiparae were identified as risk factors.

Practice Implications: Mothers of AMA require specialized care and support to alleviate their concerns.