OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the prevalence of symptoms of maternal depression (SMD) that continue beyond the postpartum period and the association between persistent SMD and reporting a controlling or threatening partner. STUDY DESIGN: We combined data from a survey of mothers 2-6 months after delivery and its 2-year follow-up survey and analyzed the responses of 444 women who responded to both surveys. We focused on exposure to a controlling partner because this was the sole factor that was associated with persistent SMD in preliminary analysis. RESULTS: Postpartum SMD was reported by 23% of the women. Among these women, 46% also reported SMD 2 years later. In bivariate analysis, a controlling partner was associated with persistent SMD (odds ratio, 6.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-31.8; P = .014). CONCLUSION: Almost one-half of women with postpartum SMD continue to have symptoms 2 years later. Further research is needed to measure the strength of the association between controlling partners and persistent depression.
OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the prevalence of symptoms of maternal depression (SMD) that continue beyond the postpartum period and the association between persistent SMD and reporting a controlling or threatening partner. STUDY DESIGN: We combined data from a survey of mothers 2-6 months after delivery and its 2-year follow-up survey and analyzed the responses of 444 women who responded to both surveys. We focused on exposure to a controlling partner because this was the sole factor that was associated with persistent SMD in preliminary analysis. RESULTS: Postpartum SMD was reported by 23% of the women. Among these women, 46% also reported SMD 2 years later. In bivariate analysis, a controlling partner was associated with persistent SMD (odds ratio, 6.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-31.8; P = .014). CONCLUSION: Almost one-half of women with postpartum SMD continue to have symptoms 2 years later. Further research is needed to measure the strength of the association between controlling partners and persistent depression.