The relationship between conformity to male and female gender norms and depression during pregnancy

To analyze whether there is an association between conformity to male and female gender norms and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score as an indicator of depression during pregnancy, a cross-sectional study was made to a sample of 200 pregnant women being seen at any of the public primary care centers in Segovia (Spain) for the prenatal care. A score of 13 points or higher on the Spanish version of the EPDS is considered to be an indicator of antenatal depression. The Conformity to Feminine Norms Inventory (CFNI-84) and the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI-94) were used to determine the degree of conformity to gender norms. Descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as multivariate analysis, were carried out. Logistic regression analysis showed the Nice in Relationships Subscale score to be associated with a decreased risk of depression (OR = 0.88; 95%CI 0.79-0.98; p = 0.029). In addition, the CMNI total score, as well as the Self-Reliance subscale, were associated with an increased risk of depression (OR = 1.04; 95%CI 1.01-1.07; p = 0.022; OR = 1.30; 95%CI 1.08-1.55; p = 0.004, respectively). An association between conformity to male gender norms and nonconformity to some female gender norms in pregnant women and a score on the EPDS indicating depression during pregnancy was found. Particularly, an increase in the CMNI total score was associated to increased risk of suffering depression in the pregnant women studied.