Negative Correlation Between Health Care Coverage and Postpartum Depression Among Hispanic Women

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects women across all races with serious health consequences for mothers and infants. Maternal factors may increase PPD risk, but research in exclusive Hispanic populations is limited. This secondary analysis evaluated the associations between maternal sociodemographic characteristics and reliable decrease in depressive symptoms in Hispanic women between prenatal study enrollment and 2 months postpartum. Data from all women (n = 178) who completed a randomized control trial assessing the efficacy of a home-visitation program were included. Most women were from Mexico (66.9%), had incomes <$10,000/year (68.5%), had health insurance (58.4%), and intended to breastfeed (84.2%). Few women had high school education/graduate equivalency degree (19.3%) or a health care provider (2.3%). Using multivariate logistic regression and controlling for baseline Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score, gestational age at enrollment, and group assignment, health care coverage (OR = 4.04, 95% CI 1.27, 12.76, p = 0.017) increased the likelihood of a decrease in level of depressive symptoms at 2 months postpartum. Acculturation, breastfeeding behaviors, and age were not associated with change in depressive symptoms. Results increase our understanding of variability of depressive symptoms in Hispanic women. Having access to health care coverage is critical. Findings provide guidance for culturally competent interventions and policies.

Keywords: Hispanic Americans; depressive symptoms; health insurance; maternal/child; postpartum.