Abstract
Objective We sought to evaluate whether antenatal depression was associated with postpartum
visit nonattendance.
Study Design This retrospective cohort study included women who received prenatal care at the
academic outpatient offices of a single tertiary care center between March 1, 2009,
and December 31, 2014. Women were screened for antenatal depression using the Patient
Health Questionnaire-9. Attendance at the postpartum visit was compared between women
with and without antenatal depressive symptomatology using bivariate and multivariable
analyses.
Results Of the 2,870 women who met the inclusion criteria, 566 (19.7%) did not attend the
postpartum visit. Women who did not attend a postpartum visit were younger and more
likely to be a racial/ethnic minority, publicly insured, or multiparous; they were
more likely to have a higher body mass index, as well as a vaginal delivery. Compared
with those without antenatal depressive symptomatology, women with antenatal depressive
symptomatology were significantly less likely to attend their postpartum visit (18.6
vs. 29.2%, p < 0.001). This association persisted even after controlling for potential confounders
(adjusted odds ratio: 0.69, 95% confidence interval: 0.48–0.99).
Conclusion Antenatal depressive symptomatology is significantly associated with nonattendance
at the postpartum visit.
keywords
depression - mental health - mood disorder - perinatal - postpartum visit
