Doctoral Thesis:Prevalence, antecedents and efficacy of treatments of postnatal depression in Australia
Supervisors: Dr Deborah Loxton Research Centre for Gender Health & Ageing, University of Newcastle and Dr Jayne Lucke School of population health, University of Queensland
University: School of Medicine and Public health, University of Queensland

Aims of the research:

• To measure the prevalence of of post natal depression (PND) among Australian women using longitudinal data collected collected by the Australian longitudinal study on womens health (ALSWH) over the past 11 years
• To validate and extend an existing psychosocial model of the antecedents of postnatal depression
• To examine the efficacy of treatments of postnatal depression
• To examine the longitudinal psychosocial consequences for women who have suffered from post natal depression.

Progress:

Phase 1: Analysis of the antecedents of PND using ALSWH survey data The ALSWH provides a unique opportunity to examine the longitudinal antecedents of postnatal depression among young Australian women. Using a psychosocial model of depression, a model of the predictors of postnatal depression using longitudinal data collected in the ALSWH will be developed. Firstly, the prevalence of postnatal depression will be measured. Secondly, participants will be grouped into categories: those who have never given birth to a child, those who have given birth to a child and have never suffered from PND, and those who have given birth to a child and have suffered from PND. Furthermore, because of the longitudinal nature of the ALSWH, the recurrence of PND over multiple pregnancies can be tracked in the third group. In order to empirically test and extend the psychosocial model of PND, structural equation modelling will be conducted. In particular, it is suggested from recently published literature that socioeconomic factors, previous life events, social support and social relationships and childbirth experiences will all be contributing factors in the development of PND. Furthermore, the efficacy of treatments and interventions will be examined. In order to elaborate on the model, ALSWH qualitative data will
be coded and themes regarding PND will be identified. Phase 2: Testing and extension of the model using qualitative interviews In order to validate and build on the results of Phase 1, it is proposed to carry out qualitative focus groups within the community. The target population will be women who have suffered from postnatal depression, residing in a range of rural, regional and metropolitan areas. The qualitative and quantitative analyses proposed in Phase 1 will guide the direction of research questions in Phase 2. It is intended to not only confirm the results of Phase 1 but also identify additional predictors of postnatal depression. Questions will investigate the life experiences and childbirth experiences of women in the community. The applicability of the PND model can be tested in a broader age range of mothers, including those not currently within the scope of the ALSWH. A further aim of this phase of the project is to validate the findings of the ALSWH quantitative analysis of the outcomes for postnatal depression sufferers. Focus group data will be used to determine those experiences that led women to access health services, at what stage services were accessed and why. It will also be possible to investigate the different experiences of women who have accessed psychological and/or pharmacological treatments for PND.

To contact Catherine:
Catherine Chojenta
Womens Health Australia
Research Centre for Gender Health and Ageing
University of Newcastle
University Drive
Callaghan NSW 2308
Australia


E mail: catherine.chojenta@newcastle.edu.au