Womens Health: Predictors of Postpartum Depression

Table of Contents

Research Question
Research Design
Sample
Data Collection Methods
Limitations
Findings Reported in the Study
Summary
References

The article written by Katon, Russo, and Gavin (2014) is focused on womens health. It discusses predictors of postpartum depression (PPD), including sociodemographic and clinic risk factors. This paper will analyze the research article under discussion in order to prove that it is an authoritative source of information that can be used in nursing practice to help healthcare professionals maintain depression cases among pregnant women.

Research Question

The researchers wanted to find out what factors influence health condition of pregnant women and cause PPD. In particular, they examined the outcomes of sociodemographic factors, pregnancy-associated psychosocial stress and depression, health risk behaviors, pre-pregnancy medical and psychiatric illness, pregnancy-related illnesses, and birth outcomes (Katon, Russo, & Gavin, 2014). The interest in this topic is explained by the fact that up to 13% of women experience critical episodes of PPD, which can lead to functional impairment and affect childs condition adversely.

Research Design

The authors of the article conducted a research study in order to find relevant evidence and support their predictions with particular data. A quantitative research design was approached in order to obtain the least biased information and accurate results. It allowed describing a relationship between the variables in detail and test hypotheses using measurement and statistics even though it failed to consider the context of the study (Jones, 2017). A prospective cohort study was conducted because it provided an opportunity to evaluate an association between PPD and those risk factors that can be considered to predict it. It also allowed the researchers to calculate the incidence of PPD and avoid resorting to ungrounded assumptions. However, it required large numbers of subjects and was rather time-consuming (LaMorte, 2016).

Sample

Patients of a university-based clinic were approached as the members of the sample because it had high risks related to obstetrics. All in all, 1,423 participants took part in research out of 1,616 individuals who were initially selected. These all were pregnant women, of course, because other populations cannot be discussed in the framework of PPD. Some participants were excluded because they lacked key data required for the study, such as results of Fischer tests and t-tests. This sample size is rather extended, which is advantageous for research because both qualitative research and cohort studies can be conducted only when a large number of participants is approached, as it influences the quality of results. The sample size was adequate for this study, considering its research question and intent because it provided an opportunity to obtain relevant data about the diverse population and generalize it to the population with the similar characteristics.

Data Collection Methods

The data needed for this research was collected by the authors of the article and clinic staff who worked with the sample directly. These are the representatives of the University of Washington School of Medicine and the University of Washington School of Social Work. The data was obtained from the sample with the help of a questionnaire that was completed by the members of the sample. Even though it is one of the easiest ways to get needed information, a risk for biases increased.

The members of clinic staff who assisted in the research study obtained written informed consent from the sample. In this way, the authors were able to use the data gained from survey results. In addition to that, the sample was informed about the research peculiarities. Finally, the University of Washington Human Subjects Institutional Review Board approved research and actions maintained in its framework. In this way, the study is aligned with ethic norms.

Limitations

All participants were included from one university clinic, which affected the diversity of the study. It would be better to include people from different geographical locations. There was no information regarding previous episodes of depression, so it would be advantageous to include psychiatric interviews. Finally, body mass index and social support were not assessed, which means that their influences on PPD were not considered. These assessments should be maintained in the framework of the future research study.

Findings Reported in the Study

Due to the conducted research, the professionals revealed that there was a significant connection between sociodemographic factors, pregnancy-related issues, and PPD. In particular, they stated that those women who had PPD were usually rather young, especially in comparison with those who did not reveal its symptoms. They were unemployed and were likely to be smokers; however did not abuse alcohol during pregnancy. Their psychological condition was poor because of depressive symptoms related to pregnancy and stress. As a results, a lot of women with PPD took antidepressants and had other medical illnesses. For instance, some of them were diagnosed with diabetes and neurologic conditions. These findings answer the research question appropriately as they approach all previously considered factors.

Summary

PPD is a serious health issue that is often experienced by pregnant women and leads to the increased risk of future depressive symptoms, functional impairment, and affects childs mental health adversely. Katon, Russo, and Gavin (2014) wanted to find out the association between sociodemographic factors and PPD to define how it can be predicted. As a result, they revealed that age, unemployment, depressive symptoms, stress, smoking, intake of antidepressants, and pregnancy illnesses increase risks of PPD. The evidence is strong enough to be used in practice because it is based on a diverse sample and appropriately conducted study. The findings can be used by physicians to predict and prevent PPD among pregnant women, which can improve their quality of life. Thus, this article is an authoritative source of information that should be considered by healthcare professionals and used as a basis for future research.