Relationship between Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Scores in the Early Postpartum Period and Related Stress Coping Characteristics

Despite postpartum depression being a common mental health problem, there is no screening method for it. The only risk assessment used is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). We investigated the relationship between Brief Scale for Coping Profile (BSCP) subscales performed during pregnancy and EPDS scores. We recruited 353 women with normal pregnancies (160 primiparas, and 193 multiparas) and performed BSCP at 26 weeks of gestation. The EPDS was first performed within one week after delivery (T1), and then after one month (T2). Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated for the BSCP and EPDS for the whole and primi/multipara groups. Multiple regression analysis was performed with the EPDS T2 scores as the dependent variable. The EPDS scores were higher in the primipara group compared to the multipara (p < 0.001), and the EPDS T1 scores were higher than the overall T2 score (p < 0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, EPDS T1 and the seeking help for solution subscale were selected as significant explanatory variables when analyzed in the whole group; EPDS T1 and active solution for the primiparas; and EPDS T1, changing mood, and seeking help for solution for the multiparas. The BSCP can be used as a screening tool for postpartum depression during pregnancy.

Automated summary

This study investigated the relationship between the Brief Scale for Coping Profile (BSCP) subscales performed during pregnancy and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores, and found that BSCP can be used as a screening tool for postpartum depression during pregnancy.