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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Mood Disorders | Research article

Rural-urban differences in the mental health of perinatal women: a UK-based cross-sectional study

Authors: Samuel Ginja, Katherine Jackson, James J. Newham, Emily J. Henderson, Debbie Smart, Raghu Lingam

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

International data suggest that living in a rural area is associated with an increased risk of perinatal mental illness. This study tested the association between rurality and risk for two mental illnesses prevalent in perinatal women - depression and anxiety.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional design, antenatal and postnatal women were approached by healthcare professionals and through other networks in a county in Northern England (UK). After providing informed consent, women completed a questionnaire where they indicated their postcode (used to determine rural-urban status) and completed three outcome measures: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Whooley questions (depression measure), and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD-2). Logistic regression models were developed, both unadjusted and adjusted for potential confounders, including socioeconomic status, social support and perinatal stage.

Results

Two hundred ninety-five participants provided valid data. Women in rural areas (n = 130) were mostly comparable to their urban counterparts (n = 165). Risk for depression and/or anxiety was found to be higher in the rural group across all models: unadjusted OR 1.67 (0.42) 95% CI 1.03 to 2.72, p = .038. This difference though indicative did not reach statistical significance after adjusting for socioeconomic status and perinatal stage (OR 1.57 (0.40), 95% CI 0.95 to 2.58, p = .078), and for social support (OR 1.65 (0.46), 95% CI 0.96 to 2.84, p = .070).

Conclusions

Data suggested that women in rural areas were at higher risk of depression and anxiety than their urban counterparts. Further work should be undertaken to corroborate these findings and investigate the underlying factors. This will help inform future interventions and the allocation of perinatal services to where they are most needed.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Rural-urban differences in the mental health of perinatal women: a UK-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Samuel Ginja
Katherine Jackson
James J. Newham
Emily J. Henderson
Debbie Smart
Raghu Lingam
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Mood Disorders
Affective Disorder
Anxiety
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-03132-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Rural-urban differences in the mental health of perinatal women: a UK-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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