Correlation of Thai Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Scores between Thai Women During Early and 6-week Postpartum Periods

• Main Authors: Chai Ariyasriwatana, Surasith Chaithongwongwatthana, Buranee Kanchanatawan, Nimit Taechakraichana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 2010-03-01
• Series: Thai Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Subjects: Postpartum depression; Thai Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; Screening tool; Correlation
• Online Access: https://tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tjog/article/download/1443/1180/

Objective: To evaluate the correlation of Thai Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores between Thai women during early and at 6-week postpartum period. Materials and methods: Two hundred and fifty one postpartum women completed Thai EPDS questionnaire during the first few days after delivery and at 6-week postpartum follow-up. Correlation of Thai EPDS scores between both periods were analyzed by Spearman’s rank. Receiver-operator characteristic curve was used to determine the cut-off value of early Thai EPDS scores to predict the high-risk women for postpartum depression. Results: Statistically significant correlation of Thai EPDS scores between early and 6-week postpartum was evident (r = 0.36, P < 0.001). Using an early Thai EPDS score > 8 as a cut-off value, the high-risk women were detected with a sensitivity of 77.0% and specificity of 56.3%. Conclusion: Thai EPDS scores during early postpartum showed significant correlation with scores at 6-week postpartum. Further investigations are needed to determine the utility of this early postpartum score.