Use of the Antenatal Risk Questionnaire to Assess Psychosocial Risk Factors Associated with Risk for Postpartum Depression: A Pilot Study.
Sharon L Ruyak, Fares Qeadan
PMID 30137692WHAT IT FOUND
Prenatal psychosocial risk scores predicted postpartum depression symptoms in this small pilot, while stress and depression scores alone did not.
A history of childhood emotional abuse was the specific risk factor linked to higher postpartum scores.
Key findings
01Prenatal Antenatal Risk Questionnaire scores significantly predicted postpartum depression symptoms, whereas prenatal perceived stress and depression scores did not.
02Women with a history of childhood emotional abuse had significantly higher postpartum depression scores.
03The combination of prenatal risk, stress, and depression scores explained 57% of the variance in postpartum depression symptoms.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample size was very small (35 participants), limiting statistical power. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling, which may not represent the general population. The sample was highly homogeneous: more than 90% were married or partnered, and 77% reported no history of depression. This was a pilot study, so the findings are preliminary and require validation in larger, more diverse groups.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume the Antenatal Risk Questionnaire is a proven diagnostic tool for postpartum depression. This was a very small pilot study with a homogeneous sample, and the authors state that evidence for the predictive ability of such tools is currently limited.