Bina R, et al. – The reason for this examination was to investigate the construct validity of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) subscales by examining differential predictors of both in a structural regression model. For practice PPD and PPA have different predictors, implying that the EPDS depression and anxiety subscales should be scored separately. Further assessment and treatment ought to be tailored to specific symptoms of depression and/or anxiety reported.

Methods

• For the purpose of this study, women (n = 969) were enlisted from a maternity ward in Jerusalem, Israel and finished a demographic survey; 715 (74%) women were screened for PPD and PPA at 6 weeks postpartum utilizing the EPDS.

Results

• The study results showed that history of depression was a significant predictor of PPD symptoms and PPA symptoms.
• Findings revealed that income and number of past pregnancies were significant predictors of PPA symptoms.