Skip to main content

ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Psychiatry, 01 April 2021
Sec. Public Mental Health

The Prevalence of Depression and Its Association With Quality of Life Among Pregnant and Postnatal Women in China: A Multicenter Study

\nHai-Xin Bo*&#x;Hai-Xin Bo1*Yuan Yang,,&#x;Yuan Yang2,3,4Dong-Ying Zhang&#x;Dong-Ying Zhang5Meng ZhangMeng Zhang5Pei-Hong WangPei-Hong Wang6Xiao-Hua LiuXiao-Hua Liu7Li-Na GeLi-Na Ge8Wen-Xuan LinWen-Xuan Lin9Yang XuYang Xu10Ya-Lan ZhangYa-Lan Zhang11Feng-Juan LiFeng-Juan Li12Xu-Juan XuXu-Juan Xu13Hong-He WuHong-He Wu14Todd JacksonTodd Jackson15Gabor S. Ungvari,Gabor S. Ungvari16,17Teris CheungTeris Cheung18Yu-Tao Xiang,
Yu-Tao Xiang2,3*
  • 1Department of Nursing, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
  • 2Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
  • 3Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
  • 4Department of Psychiatry, Southern Medical University Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, China
  • 5Department of Obstetrics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
  • 6Department of Obstetrics, Tongji Medical College, Union Medical College Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
  • 7Department of Obstetrics, Shuangliu District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu, China
  • 8Department of Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
  • 9Department of Obstetrics, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, China
  • 10Department of Obstetrics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
  • 11Department of Obstetrics, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining, China
  • 12Department of Nursing, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
  • 13Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
  • 14Department of Obstetrics, Nantong Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nantong, China
  • 15Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Macao, China
  • 16Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
  • 17Department of Psychiatry, University of Notre Dame, Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
  • 18School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China

Background: This study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms (depression hereafter) and its association with quality of life (QOL) among pregnant and postnatal women in China.

Methods: In this multi-center, cross-sectional study, 1,060 pregnant and postnatal women from eight hospitals were assessed. Depression and QOL were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire - brief version, respectively.

Results: The prevalence of depression was 7.45% (95% CI: 5.87–9.04%) in the sample. Women with depression had lower QOL in physical, psychological, social and environmental domains compared to those without. Women with physical comorbidities were more likely to suffer from depression (OR = 2.391, 95% CI = 1.384–4.130, P = 0.002).

Conclusion: Due to its negative association with QOL, increased attention should be paid to depression in pregnant and postnatal women. Regular screening assessment and preventive measures should be adopted to reduce risk of depression in this population.

Introduction

Pregnancy is characterized by multiple hormonal and anatomical changes that are associated with high risk of mental health problems such as irritability, sleep disturbances, depression and even suicidality (1, 2). Depressive symptoms (depression hereafter) during pregnancy and the postnatal period are common (3). Previous studies have found that depression is more prevalent among pregnant and postnatal women than women with physical problems such as preeclampsia, preterm childbirth and gestational diabetes (4). Depression, together with other psychological disturbances during pregnancy, are associated with a range of negative health consequences for women, their infants and families including poor infant-mother attachment, miscarriage, pre-term labor, antepartum hemorrhage, and even fetal injury (5, 6). However, depression during pregnancy and the postnatal period is often unrecognized by clinicians because it has parallels with certain pregnancy symptoms such as loss of appetite and energy, fatigue, and libido changes (7).

In order to reduce the risk of depression during pregnancy and the postnatal period and its negative impact on health outcomes, researchers should examine its epidemiology and correlates. A meta-analysis revealed that the overall prevalence of depression in pregnant and postnatal women was 11.9% (95% CI: 11.4–12.5%) (8). Another meta-analysis revealed that the overall prevalence of postpartum depression among healthy mothers was 17% (95% CI: 15–20%) (9). A range of socio-demographic factors are associated with depression during pregnancy and the postnatal phase. For instance, researchers have found that older age, lower socioeconomic status, poorer relationships with family, intimate partner violence and unplanned pregnancy are risk factors for depression among pregnant and postnatal women (4, 1012), while comfortable living conditions, psychological resilience, and better social support perceived by women predict reduced risk for depression (13). In addition, sociocultural and economic contexts have significant associations with depression during pregnancy and following childbirth (10, 11). Therefore, its prevalence and correlates should be examined separately in different countries.

In China, some studies on depression in the perinatal period have been conducted, but findings have varied significantly, in part, because of sample differences in demographic characteristics, measurement tools, and recruitment procedures. A China-based meta-analysis revealed that the prevalence of depression during the perinatal period was 17.4% (14), but the rate decreased to 10.7% among postpartum women (15). Common limitations of previous studies conducted in China include the reliance on single study site, small sample sizes, and univariate rather than multivariate analyses as well as the failure to use specific measures on perinatal depression such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) (14, 15). Instead, most previous studies used generic measures of depression such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), all of which are less appropriate because normal postnatal experiences reflecting changes in appetite and sleep as well as loss of energy can be misconstrued as depressive symptoms on generic scales.

For several decades, quality of life (QOL) has been widely used as a comprehensive health outcome in clinical practice and research. For pregnant and postnatal women, the focus of QOL has expanded from preventing, detecting, and managing problems or complications to “supporting psychological adaptation to pregnancy” (16). Most past studies only examined QOL in pregnant and postnatal women with physical diseases such as gestational diabetes, and hypertension (17, 18). In contrast, little is known about the association between QOL and depression in general samples of pregnant and postnatal women. Thus, we conducted this study to examine the prevalence of depression, its demographic and clinical correlates and association with QOL among pregnant and postnatal Chinese women.

Methods

Study Settings and Participants

This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study conducted between February and October, 2019. Eight major hospitals in Beijing (Peking Union Medical College Hospital), Xinjiang (Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Uygur Autonomous Region), Liaoning (Shengjing Hospital), Guangdong (Guangdong Women and Children Hospital), Qinghai (Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital), Hubei (Huazhong University of Science and Technology Tongji Medical College), Jiangsu (Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University) and Sichuan provinces (Shuangliu District Maternal and Child Health Hospital) that are located in central, northern, southern, eastern, and western China were included to represent a range of major geographic regions in China to reduce sampling biases related to single site research and increase the sample representativeness. A consecutive patient sampling method was adopted. All women who visited Obstetrics Departments of participating hospitals for regular check-ups during daytime hours over the study period were consecutively invited to participate in this study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) age 18 years or older; (2) comprehension of spoken Chinese language; (3) current pregnancy or postnatal status (i.e., from the beginning of pregnancy to 1 week after delivery); (4) provision of written informed consent. Participants were excluded if they had pre-existing psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder, or disturbances of consciousness that can interfere with comprehension of research measures.

Assessment Instruments and Study Procedure

Basic demographic information including residence, maternal age, height (m), weight (kg), education, employment, family size, monthly income, pregnancy stage, status as first delivery, adverse pregnancy experience, past miscarriages and abortions, placenta preposition, physical comorbidities, were assessed on a background information form. The 10-item self-report EPDS – Chinese version (19) was used to assess severity of depressive symptoms in the past week during pregnancy or the postnatal period. Total scores ranged from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating more severe depression. An EPDS total score of 13 or above indicates “having depression” (19). The Chinese version of EPDS had excellent psychometric properties (20). The World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire – brief version (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to assess QOL. The WHOQOL-BREF consists of 26 items, covering physical, psychological, environmental and social QOL (21). A higher total score indicates better QOL (22). The Chinese version of this scale has good psychometric properties (23).

Following other studies (24, 25), three standardized “Yes/No” questions were utilized to evaluate suicide risk factors in the past year, including (1) suicidal ideation – “Have you ever thought about killing yourself?,” (2) Suicide plans – “Have you ever made a plan for committing suicide, or even taken steps to prepare for this plan?,” and (3) Suicide attempts – “Have you ever attempted suicide?.” Participants who answered “Yes” to any of the three questions were considered as “having suicidality.”

All participants were approached by trained nurses who explained the study aim and procedure. For those who agreed to participate and provided written informed consent form, a face-to-face interview was conducted. This study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital and all participating hospitals (Ref No: S-K1273). All the study procedures were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines.

Sample Size Estimation

The total sample size of participants was estimated using a standardized formula: N = Zα2 P (1 – P)/d2 (26). N means the sample size, Z means the statistic of significance test, alpha means the significance level, P means the prevalence, and d means the allowable error. In this study, alpha was set at 0.05, Zα = 1.96, and the estimated acceptable margin of effort for proportion d was 0.1 as recommended (26). The prevalence of depression in pregnant and postnatal women was 15% in a systematic review (27), which was used for sample size calculation in this study. A minimum sample size of 490 participants were needed. To increase the statistical power, we recruited 1,100 participants in this study.

Statistical Analyses

Data analyses were performed using SPSS V24.0. Normality distributions of continuous variables were checked by one-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Differences on demographic and clinical characteristics between depression and no depression groups were assessed using independent samples t-tests for normally distributed continuous variables, Mann-Whitney U tests for non-normally distributed continuous variables, and Chi-square tests/Fisher exact tests for categorical variables. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare QOL between depression and no depression groups after controlling for variables on which these groups differed (P < 0.05) in univariate analyses. Binary logistic regression analysis based on the “enter” method was used to examine independent correlates of depression. Depression was the dependent variable, while variables on which there were significant univariate group differences were entered as independent variables. Significance was set at P < 0.05, with two-tailed tests.

Results

A total of 1,140 women were invited to participate in this study; of these, 1,060 agreed and completed the assessment, producing a response rate of 92.98%. The overall prevalence of depression was 7.45% (95% CI: 5.87–9.04%); within the depressed subgroup (N = 79), the highest rate was found in the third trimester (45.6%), followed by the first trimester (25.3%) and second trimester (19.0%). The lowest figure was shown among postnatal women (10.1%). Within the entire sample, 27 (2.6%) women reported having experiences of suicidality, with 26 (2.5%) reporting suicidal ideation, 4 (0.38%) reporting a suicide plan and 5 (0.47%) admitting to a suicide attempt. Specifically, there were 14 women (17.7%) with suicidality in the depression group compared to 13 women (1.3%) in the no depression group (P < 0.001). Demographic and clinical characteristics are presented in Table 1. EPDS ratings are presented in Table 2.

TABLE 1
www.frontiersin.org

Table 1. Demographic characteristics of the Chinese pregnant women (N = 1,060).

TABLE 2
www.frontiersin.org

Table 2. EPDS ratings.

In univariate analyses, depression was significantly associated with previous natural miscarriage experiences (P = 0.041), drug-induced abortion history (P = 0.025) and physical comorbidities (P = 0.001) which were controlled for as covariates in subsequent analyses. Women with depression had lower physical, psychological, social and environmental quality of life compared to those without (all P-values < 0.001) after controlling for covariates. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that women with physical comorbidities were more likely to suffer from depression (OR = 2.391, 95% CI = 1.384–4.130, P = 0.002) (Table 1).

Discussion

Due to hormonal and anatomical changes and other factors including heavier care burdens, pregnant and postnatal women are more likely to suffer from psychological disturbances, particularly depression (28). In this study, we found that the prevalence of depression was 7.45% (95% CI: 5.87–9.04%) among pregnant and postpartum women. In addition, women with depression had lower QOL in physical, psychological, social and environmental domains compared to those without. Women with physical comorbidities were more likely to suffer from depression.

The prevalence of depression in this study was lower than estimates from recent China-based meta-analyses (14, 15). Notably, however, rates have varied between reviews. For example, an older meta-analysis (29) found that the pooled point prevalence of perinatal depression ranged from 6.5 to 12.9% from the start of pregnancy to the first postpartum year; 19.2% of the depressed subgroup reported depression during the first 3 months after delivery. Conversely, another recent meta-analysis found the overall prevalence of depression in pregnant and postnatal women was 11.9% (95% CI: 11.4–12.5%) (8). Discrepant rates between studies could be partly explained by different study samples, sampling methods, sample sizes, measurement tools for depression, socioeconomic backgrounds and clinical status (8, 9, 29).

Previous studies have indicated that depression is a strong predictor of suicidality (3032). In this study, a relatively small proportion of women reported suicidal ideation (2.5%), plan (0.38%) or attempt (0.47%) but the rate was substantially higher than those of other studies. For example, a large retrospective study from the US found that the prevalence of suicide attempts during pregnancy was 0.04% (33). Another study from Canada reported that the prevalence of suicide attempts was 0.03% in pregnant women and 0.06% in postnatal women (34). A study conducted in mainland China found that the prevalence of suicide attempt during pregnancy was 0.21% (35). Reasons for the comparatively higher rate in this research are not known. However, due to differences in timeframes and measures of suicidality between studies, direct comparisons should be made with caution. In addition, we found that pregnant and postnatal women with depression were more likely to have suicidality compared with those without, which is consistent with previous findings (1, 36).

Additionally, our study found that participants with physical comorbidities were more likely to report depression, which also dovetails with previous findings (37, 38). Physical comorbidities and adverse effects of treatments in pregnant and postnatal women are associated with more severe physical discomfort and impaired daily functioning, which could increase the risk of depression (37, 38).

Similar to previous findings (39), depression was significantly associated with lower QOL in all domains. The poorer QOL of depressed women could be explained by the distress/protection QOL model, in which QOL is determined by a range of protective and distressing factors (40). QOL tends to be lower if distressing factors (e.g., frequent sleep disturbances, fatigue, and physical discomfort caused by depression) predominate overprotective factors (e.g., better social support from social networks). Depressed women often present with psychological and physical symptoms such as sadness, helplessness, cognitive impairments, body pain, insomnia, and digestive problems (41), all of which are related to lower QOL.

The merits of this study included its multicenter study design, large sample size, and use of a depression measure validated specifically for pregnant and postnatal depression. The main limitations should also be acknowledged. First, this was a cross-sectional study, so causal associations and changes between variables over time could not be examined. Second, all results were based on self-reported data; therefore, we cannot rule out biases in recall or social desirability as influences on the data. Third, while the QOL scale provided a comprehensive assessment of the women's perceptions of their physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and physical environments, number of dependent children and extended family members in the household could have been assessed with more specificity than the included item (presence of four or more family members in the household). Fourth, although a relatively large sample size and multicenter design based on different geographic regions of China were used, the needed number of eligible perinatal women was not calculated separately for each participating hospital. Finally, assessments were limited to women who visited hospital Obstetrics Departments for regular check-ups during daytime hours; we viewed this strategy as ethical but also acknowledge it is related to potential selection biases. For example, results may not apply to women who visited emergency departments during non-daytime hours. Such groups were not included for reasons related to both logistics and clinical care (i.e., limited staff during non-daytime hours, the priority of attending to acute concerns of emergency room attendees rather than having them complete a research study during a time of crisis). In addition, results may not generalize to women with pre-existing psychiatric disorders and potential comprehension difficulties were excluded. To increase population representativeness, emergency room contacts might be assessed following the resolution of immediate crises, and more costly national epidemiological surveys using multistage designs, random sampling, and additional research staff require funding support in China and other nations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, due to the significant associations of depression with suicidality, and lower QOL, increased attention should be paid to pregnant and postnatal women. Preventive measures, such as regular assessment and management of physical comorbidities, should be adopted to track and reduce risk of depression in this population. Timely treatment should be provided for women who experience depression during pregnancy and the postnatal period.

Data Availability Statement

The Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Peking Union Medical College Hospital that approved the study prohibits the authors from making the research data set publicly available. Readers and all interested researchers may contact Dr. Hai-Xin Bo (Email address: bohxin@126.com) for details. Dr. Hai-Xin Bo could apply to the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Peking Union Medical College Hospital for the release of the data.

Ethics Statement

The studies involving human participants were reviewed and approved by Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital and all participating hospitals (Ref No.: S-K1273). The patients/participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study.

Author Contributions

H-XB, YY, and Y-TX: study design. YY, D-YZ, MZ, P-HW, X-HL, L-NG, W-XL, YX, Y-LZ, F-JL, X-JX, and H-HW: data collection, analysis and interpretation. YY, TC, and Y-TX: drafting of the manuscript. TJ and GU: critical revision of the manuscript. All authors: approval of the final version for publication.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

References

1. Gelaye B, Addae G, Neway B, Larrabure-Torrealva GT, Qiu C, Stoner L, et al. Poor sleep quality, antepartum depression and suicidal ideation among pregnant women. J Affect Disord. (2017) 209:195–200. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.11.020

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

2. Holden G, Corter AL, Hatters-Friedman S, Soosay I. Brief report. A qualitative study of maternal mental health services in New Zealand: perspectives of Maori and Pacific mothers and midwives. Asia Pac Psychiatry. (2019) 12:e12369. doi: 10.1111/appy.12369

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

3. Palladino CL, Singh V, Campbell J, Flynn H, Gold KJ. Homicide and suicide during the perinatal period: findings from the National Violent Death Reporting System. Obstet Gynecol. (2011) 118:1056–63. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e31823294da

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

4. Gluckman PD, Hanson MA, Cooper C, Thornburg KL. Effect of in utero and early-life conditions on adult health and disease. N Engl J Med. (2008) 359:61–73. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra0708473

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

5. Naghi I, Keypour F, Ahari SB, Tavalai SA, Khak M. Sleep disturbance in late pregnancy and type and duration of labour. J Obstetr Gynaecol. (2011) 31:489–91. doi: 10.3109/01443615.2011.579196

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

6. Okun ML, Schetter CD, Glynn LM. Poor sleep quality is associated with preterm birth. Sleep. (2011) 34:1493–8. doi: 10.5665/sleep.1384

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

7. Clark G. Discussing emotional health in pregnancy: the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale. Br J Community Nurs. (2000) 5:91–8. doi: 10.12968/bjcn.2000.5.2.7170

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

8. Woody CA, Ferrari AJ, Siskind DJ, Whiteford HA, Harris MG. A systematic review and meta-regression of the prevalence and incidence of perinatal depression. J Affect Disord. (2017) 219:86–92. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.05.003

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

9. Shorey S, Chee CYI, Ng ED, Chan YH, Tam WWS, Chong YS. Prevalence and incidence of postpartum depression among healthy mothers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res. (2018) 104:235–48. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.08.001

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

10. Becker M, Weinberger T, Chandy A, Schmukler S. Depression during pregnancy and postpartum. Curr Psychiatry Rep. (2016) 18:32. doi: 10.1007/s11920-016-0664-7

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

11. Hutchens BF, Kearney J. Risk factors for postpartum depression: an umbrella review. J Midwifery Womens Health. (2020) 65:96–108. doi: 10.1111/jmwh.13067

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

12. Bhatta N, Assanangkornchai S. Patterns of domestic violence against women during pregnancy and the postpartum period in Kathmandu, Nepal. Asia Pac Psychiatry. (2019) 11:e12342. doi: 10.1111/appy.12342

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

13. Li Y, Long Z, Cao D, Cao F. Social support and depression across the perinatal period: A longitudinal study. J Clin Nurs. (2017) 26:2776–83. doi: 10.1111/jocn.13817

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

14. Lin X, Zheng D, Lin XF, Dai Y. Perinatal depression in China: a meta-analysis (in Chinese). Fujian Med J. (2017) 39:131–3.

Google Scholar

15. Tao J, Gong YR, Lu JY. Postpartum depression in Chinese women: a meta-analysis (in Chinese). China J Health Psychol. (2018) 26:171–4.

PubMed Abstract

16. Mortazavi F, Mousavi SA, Chaman R, Khosravi A. Maternal quality of life during the transition to motherhood. Iran Red Crescent Med J. (2014) 16:e8443. doi: 10.5812/ircmj.8443

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

17. Bien A, Rzonca E, Kanczugowska A, Iwanowicz-Palus G. Factors affecting the quality of life and the illness acceptance of pregnant women with diabetes. Int J Environ Res Public Health. (2015) 13:ijerph13010068. doi: 10.3390/ijerph13010068

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

18. Pantzartzis KA, Manolopoulos PP, Paschou SA, Kazakos K, Kotsa K, Goulis DG. Gestational diabetes mellitus and quality of life during the third trimester of pregnancy. Qual Life Res. (2019) 28:1349–54. doi: 10.1007/s11136-018-2090-2

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

19. Cox JL, Holden JM, Sagovsky R. Detection of postnatal depression - development of the 10-item Edinburgh postnatal depression scale. Br J Psychiatry. (1987) 150:782–6. doi: 10.1192/bjp.150.6.782

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

20. Zhao Y, Kane I, Wang J, Shen BB, Luo JF, Shi SX. Combined use of the postpartum depression screening scale (PDSS) and Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) to identify antenatal depression among Chinese pregnant women with obstetric complications. Psychiatry Res. (2015) 226:113–9. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2014.12.016

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

21. Harper A, Power M, Grp W. Development of the World Health Organization WHOQOL-BREF quality of life assessment. Psychol Med. (1998) 28:551–8. doi: 10.1017/S0033291798006667

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

22. Skevington SM, Tucker C. Designing response scales for cross-cultural use in health care: data from the development of the UK WHOQOL. Br J Med Psychol. (1999) 72:51–61. doi: 10.1348/000711299159817

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

23. Fang JQ, Hao YA. Reliability and validity for Chinese version of WHO quality of life scale (in Chinese). Chin Ment Health J. (1999) 13:203–9.

Google Scholar

24. Kessler RC, Berglund P, Borges G, Nock M, Wang PS. Trends in suicide ideation, plans, gestures, and attempts in the United States, 1990-1992 to 2001-2003. JAMA. (2005) 293:2487–95. doi: 10.1001/jama.293.20.2487

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

25. Ma X, Xiang YT, Cai ZJ, Li SR, Xiang YQ, Guo HL, et al. Lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicide plans and attempts in rural and urban regions of Beijing, China. Aust New Zeal J Psychiatry. (2009) 43:158–66. doi: 10.1080/00048670802607170

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

26. Hajian-Tilaki K. Sample size estimation in epidemiologic studies. Caspian J Intern Med. (2011) 2:289–98.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

27. Serati M, Redaelli M, Buoli M, Altamura AC. Perinatal major depression biomarkers: a systematic review. J Affect Disord. (2016) 193:391–404. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.01.027

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

28. Miksic S, Miskulin M, Juranic B, Rakosec Z, Vcev A, Degmecic D. Depression and suicidality during pregnancy. Psychiatr Danub. (2018) 30:85–90. doi: 10.24869/psyd.2018.85

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

29. Gavin NI, Gaynes BN, Lohr KN, Meltzer-Brody S, Gartlehner G, Swinson T. Perinatal depression: a systematic review of prevalence and incidence. Obstet Gynecol. (2005) 106:1071–83. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000183597.31630.db

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

30. Hawton K, Casanas ICC, Haw C, Saunders K. Risk factors for suicide in individuals with depression: a systematic review. J Affect Disord. (2013) 147:17–28. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.01.004

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

31. Ivbijaro G, Kolkiewicz L, Goldberg D, Riba MB, N'Jie I NS, Geller J, et al. Preventing suicide, promoting resilience: is this achievable from a global perspective? Asia Pac Psychiatry. (2019) 11:e12371. doi: 10.1111/appy.12371

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

32. Cheung VHM, Chan CY, Au RKC. The influence of resilience and coping strategies on suicidal ideation among Chinese undergraduate freshmen in Hong Kong. Asia Pac Psychiatry. (2019) 11:e12339. doi: 10.1111/appy.12339

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

33. Gandhi SG, Gilbert WM, McElvy SS, El Kady D, Danielson B, Xing G, et al. Maternal and neonatal outcomes after attempted suicide. Obstet Gynecol. (2006) 107:984–90. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000216000.50202.f6

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

34. Mota NP, Chartier M, Ekuma O, Nie Y, Hensel JM, MacWilliam L, et al. Mental disorders and suicide attempts in the pregnancy and postpartum periods compared with non-pregnancy: a population-based study. Can J Psychiatry. (2019) 64:482–91. doi: 10.1177/0706743719838784

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

35. Yang XL. Evaluation of psychological status and corresponding nursing of psychological disorder among parturient women. J Qiqihar Med Coll. (2007) 28:601–2. (in chinese).

36. Zhong QY, Gelaye B, Rondon MB, Sanchez SE, Simon GE, Henderson DC, et al. Using the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) to assess suicidal ideation among pregnant women in Lima, Peru. Arch Womens Ment Health. (2015) 18:783–92. doi: 10.1007/s00737-014-0481-0

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

37. Hunter A, Tussis L, MacBeth A. The presence of anxiety, depression and stress in women and their partners during pregnancies following perinatal loss: a meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. (2017) 223:153–64. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.07.004

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

38. Volgsten H, Jansson C, Svanberg AS, Darj E, Stavreus-Evers A. Longitudinal study of emotional experiences, grief and depressive symptoms in women and men after miscarriage. Midwifery. (2018) 64:23–8. doi: 10.1016/j.midw.2018.05.003

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

39. Mourady D, Richa S, Karam R, Papazian T, Moussa FH, El Osta N, et al. Associations between quality of life, physical activity, worry, depression and insomnia: a cross-sectional designed study in healthy pregnant women. PLos ONE. (2017) 12:e0178181. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178181

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

40. Ritsner M, Modai I, Endicott J, Rivkin O, Nechamkin Y, Barak P, et al. Differences in quality of life domains and psychopathologic and psychosocial factors in psychiatric patients. J Clin Psychiatry. (2000) 61:880–9. doi: 10.4088/JCP.v61n1113

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

41. Singleton SS. Depression and quality of life: a patient's perspective. J Clin Psychiatry. (2001) 62 (Suppl. 26):22.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

Keywords: depression, pregnancy, postnatal period, prevalence, China

Citation: Bo H-X, Yang Y, Zhang D-Y, Zhang M, Wang P-H, Liu X-H, Ge L-N, Lin W-X, Xu Y, Zhang Y-L, Li F-J, Xu X-J, Wu H-H, Jackson T, Ungvari GS, Cheung T and Xiang Y-T (2021) The Prevalence of Depression and Its Association With Quality of Life Among Pregnant and Postnatal Women in China: A Multicenter Study. Front. Psychiatry 12:656560. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.656560

Received: 21 January 2021; Accepted: 08 March 2021;
Published: 01 April 2021.

Edited by:

Yuka Kotozaki, Iwate Medical University, Japan

Reviewed by:

Carlo Antonio Bertelloni, University of Pisa, Italy
Rita Farah, Lebanese University, Lebanon

Copyright © 2021 Bo, Yang, Zhang, Zhang, Wang, Liu, Ge, Lin, Xu, Zhang, Li, Xu, Wu, Jackson, Ungvari, Cheung and Xiang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Yu-Tao Xiang, xyutly@gmail.com; Hai-Xin Bo, bohxin@126.com

These authors have contributed equally to this work

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.