[[alternative]]Factors of Postpartum Depression in Belizean Women

[[abstract]]The study was carried out in the 4 health regions of Belize, between July and September 2013. Mothers (N =133) attending postnatal and well baby clinic were interviewed using 3 questionnaires to obtain demographic, support and depression data. Symptoms of postpartum depression were assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Correlation r was used to identify factors associated with PPD and logistic regression was utilized in the multivariate analysis. Data was analyzed hierarchally; sociodemographic factors on the first level, obstetric factors on the second level, prenatal factors on the third, followed by social support. The rate of postpartum depression among Belizean women in this sample was 28.2%. Correlation was found between maternal age and PPD (r = -.20, p < .05); prenatal anxiety and PPD (r = .39, p <.001); and social support and PPD (r = .43, p <.001). When all these variables were entered into the correlation matrix, a small negative correlation was found between prenatal anxiety and perceived social support (r = -.18, p <.05). Prenatal anxiety (OR=1.16; CI 95%; p < .05) and perceived social support (OR=.96; CI 95%; p < .05) were significant factors in the development of postpartum depression. The results indicate that high levels of prenatal anxiety and low levels of social support are key elements in the development of postpartum depression. The implications of this study highlight needed collaboration of Belizean midwives and the Ministry of Health for the promotion of early detection of PPD and prenatal anxiety and the development of protocols and interventions to address these factors