Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Postpartum depression is prevalent in Japan and depression from child-rearing also imparts a high burden on society. Understanding the risk-factors associated with postpartum depression can inform treatments and help patients avoid detrimental actions. Therefore, this study aimed to identify current trends and risk-factors for postpartum depression in Japan.
METHODS: New mothers who did not have a diagnosis of depression six months prior to giving birth and were diagnosed with depression within 6 months of giving birth were identified as the postpartum depression cohort. Those who did not have a diagnosis of depression six months prior to giving birth and were diagnosed with depression between 7-12 months after giving birth were identified as the child-rearing depression cohort. Data from between October of 2018 and March of 2023 from the IQVIA Integrated claims database were used for this study. A variety of risk-factors were examined including demographics, comorbidities, complications with the mother, complications with the child, and health exam data.
RESULTS: Within our sample, postpartum depression increased from 1.13% in April of 2020 to 1.84% in April of 2021.It was also found that for new mothers who did not develop depression 2.7% experienced insomnia, while for those who developed postpartum depression, 38.3% experienced insomnia. When observing the effects of birth order, it was found that 54% of mothers who did not develop postpartum depression were on their first child, whereas 65% of mothers who developed postpartum depression were on their first child. Finally, when observing annual health-checkup data, 3.7% of new mothers consumed alcohol on a daily basis, however, for those with postpartum depression this rate was higher at 11.8%.
CONCLUSIONS: Potential risk-factors for postpartum depression included insomnia and alcohol consumption. Exploring treatments and behavioral changes around these areas may aid in reducing the burden of postpartum depression in Japan.