Abstract
Objectives
Data are scarce regarding the prevalence and predictors of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) among Black women. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and predictors of symptoms of PMADS among Black women.
Methods
Black women completed a paper survey between August 2019 and October 2019. Binomial logistic regression was employed to examine predictors of PMAD symptoms.
Results
The prevalence of symptoms of PMADs was 56%. A higher proportion of women with PMADs had experienced depression (16% vs. 32%, p = 0.006); physical (18% vs. 31%, p = 0.030), emotional (35% vs. 61%, p = 0.000), or sexual abuse (12% vs. 29%, p = 0.002); and symptoms of depression or anxiety before pregnancy (18% vs. 46%, p = 0.000). After adjusting for socio-demographics in multivariate analysis, experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety before pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.445, p = 0.001) was positively associated with experiencing symptoms of PMADs, whereas higher levels of self-esteem (aOR = 0.837, p = 0.000) were negatively associated with experiencing symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Conclusions for Practice
The prevalence of PMAD symptoms among this sample of Black women was alarmingly high. Women who experienced PMADs were more likely to report adverse childhood experiences (e.g., physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse). By understanding the prevalence of PMADs and the factors associated with these disorders, healthcare professionals can improve diagnosis and treatment rates among this understudied and underserved population.
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Supported in part by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number UL1TR002378.
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Significance
Based on recent literature, it is already known that untreated PMADs can have severe consequences for the health and well-being of the affected woman and her family, including long-term consequences for the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development of her child. This study adds to the literature by providing new data on prevalence and risk factors for these disorders among Black women who are understudied. The prevalence of PMADs among this sample of women was higher than national estimates. This study provides practitioners with community-driven relevant data that may inform approaches to combat PMADs.
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Hernandez, N.D., Francis, S., Allen, M. et al. Prevalence and predictors of symptoms of Perinatal Mood and anxiety Disorders among a sample of Urban Black Women in the South. Matern Child Health J 26, 770–777 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-022-03425-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-022-03425-2