A Meta-Analytic Investigation of Socioeconomic Status as a Risk Factor for Postpartum Depression

Background: Of all parturient mothers, 13% suffer from postnatal depression, a disease with important clinical and social consequences for the persons concerned. However, postpartum depression (PPD) is currently diagnosed and treated rather late. To increase early detection, it is helpful to identify specific risk factors for PPD. Social disparity (i.e., socioeconomic status [SESI) has been found to increase the vulnerability for psychological illness. In line with this, individuals with a lower SES have been shown to be at risk of developing a depression. Objective: The goal of the current meta-analysis was to investigate whether SES can predict the development of PPD. Method: The meta-analysis includes studies focusing on this specific topic and synthesizes their statistical results to investigate whether SES has an effect on the development of PPD. Results: Analysis indicated nonsignificant results for education (RR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.95-1.45, p = 0.14) as well as income (RR = 1.32, (95% CI = 0.99 - 1.74, p = 0.05). Conclusion: In summary, the results reflect that education and income do not predict the risk of developing PPD. The study was able to uncover serious methodical shortcomings when it comes to research in the field of PPD and SES.