Bayesian hierarchical spatial regression of maternal depressive symptoms in South Western Sydney, Australia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is increasing interest in the role played by maternal depression in mediating the effects of adversity during pregnancy and poor infant outcomes. There is also increasing evidence from multilevel regression studies for an association of area-level economic deprivation and poor individual mental health. The purpose of the study reported here is to explore the spatial distribution of postnatal depressive symptoms in South Western Sydney, Australia, and to identify covariate associations that could inform subsequent multilevel studies.

Methods

Mothers (n = 15,389) delivering in 2002 and 2003 were assessed at 2-3 weeks after delivery for risk factors for depressive symptoms. The individual-level binary outcome variables were Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) >9 a

SUBMITTER: Eastwood JG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3921342 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature