What the study found
The study found that about one in five postpartum women in Wenzhou had clinically significant depressive symptoms. Fulfilled infant gender expectations were associated with lower postpartum depression risk, and breastfeeding satisfaction partly explained that relationship.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings support the Biopsychosocial Model, which considers biological, psychological, and social factors together. They say the results point to routine postpartum depression screening, satisfaction-focused breastfeeding support, culturally sensitive counseling about family gender expectations, and family-centered postpartum care.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a predictive correlational cross-sectional study at a tertiary hospital in Wenzhou, China, from November to December 2024. They recruited 166 postpartum women aged 20 to 44 years, 4 weeks to 6 months after delivery, using systematic random sampling and measured postpartum depression and related factors with validated scales.
What worked and what didn't
Fulfilled infant gender expectations, breastfeeding satisfaction, and the mediation pathway involving breastfeeding satisfaction were reported as significant. These factors together accounted for 28.4% of the variance in postpartum depression symptoms. Pregnancy complications, self-esteem, marital satisfaction, and mother-in-law relationships were not statistically significant predictors in the final model.
What to keep in mind
The study was cross-sectional, so it examined associations at one point in time rather than changes over time. The abstract does not describe other limitations beyond the sample being drawn from one hospital in Wenzhou, China.
Key points
- About one in five postpartum women in Wenzhou had clinically significant depressive symptoms.
- Fulfilled infant gender expectations were linked to lower postpartum depression risk.
- Breastfeeding satisfaction partially mediated the link between gender expectations and postpartum depression.
- Pregnancy complications, self-esteem, marital satisfaction, and mother-in-law relationships were not significant predictors in the final model.
- The study used a cross-sectional sample of 166 postpartum women aged 20 to 44 years.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- About one in five postpartum women had depressive symptoms
- Authors:
- Yufan Huang, Punyarat Lapvongwatana, Tatirat Tachasuksri
- Institutions:
- Burapha University, Burapha University, Burapha University
- Publication date:
- 2026-06-28
- DOI:
- 10.33546/bnj.4465
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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