Incidence and Predictors of Postpartum Depression Diagnoses among Active-Duty U.S. Army Soldiers.

Introduction

Understanding the incidence and predictors of postpartum depression (PPD) among active-duty service members is critical given the importance of this population and its unique stressors.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all active-duty U.S. Army soldiers with a record of at least one live-birth delivery between January 2012 and December 2013. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between demographic, health-related, and military-specific variables and diagnoses of PPD in the total population (N = 4,178) as well as in a subpopulation without a record of depression before delivery (N = 3,615).

Results

The overall incidence of PPD diagnoses was 15.9% (N = 664 cases) among the total population and 10.4% (N = 376 cases) among those without prior depression. Statistically significant predictors of PPD in the adjusted model included lower pay grade, a higher number of prior deployments, a higher number of child dependents, tobacco use, and a history of depression or anxiety before or during pregnancy. For soldiers without a history of depression, lower pay grade, and a history of anxiety before or during pregnancy were significantly associated with PPD.

Conclusions

Knowing the predictors of overall and novel onset PPD diagnoses in this population could help establish clearer guidelines on PPD prevention, screening, management, and return to duty.