Mindfulness-Based Interventions for the Occurrence of Postpartum Depression in Elderly Primiparas

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the independent risk factors for the occurrence of postpartum depression (PPD) in elderly primiparas and the effect of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on improving the PPD. Two hundred cases of elderly primiparas who underwent delivery in our hospital from January 2016 to December 2019 were enrolled as study participants and divided into an occurrence group (n = 60) and a nonoccurrence group (n = 140) according to whether they developed PPD. The occurrence group was divided into a study group (n = 30) receiving MBI and a control group (n = 30) without any intervention. Independent risk factors influencing the occurrence of PPD were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The effect of the intervention was also analyzed in the study group. Education level, marital status, household monthly income per person, sex of the newborn, milk volume, sleep quality, and relationship with in-laws were risk factors for the development of PPD. After the intervention, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire scores were increased in the study group and were higher than in the control group ( $P<0.05$ ). The study group also exhibited higher 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale scores, lower Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale scores than the control group ( $P<0.05$ ). A variety of independent risk factors affected the occurrence of PPD in elderly primiparas, and MBI should be targeted clinically to reduce their negative emotions, increase psychological resilience, and improve their quality of life.