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cigarette smoking should alert one to the possibility of postpartum depression. The study, which was conducted by the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, found that nearly one of every three mothers who reported smoking more than 10 cigarettes per day also had symptoms of clinical depression. Depression was more likely among heavier smokers who were younger, who were non-Hispanic black, and who had low levels of education. “Our study suggests that screening and treatment of depression should be considered in all smoking-cessation programs that target new mothers,” lead author Diana Cheng, MD, from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in Baltimore, told meeting attendees. She added, the findings also suggest that healthcare workers should be alert to the possibility of postpartum depression in new mothers who are heavy smokers, and prescribe treatment accordingly.
The study was based on a survey of a random sample of 8,074 new mothers in Maryland who delivered babies between 2004 and 2008. Participants completed the survey between two and nine months after delivery. Of the 8,074 women, 14% reported smoking. Women were considered to have depression if they answered questions about depressive symptoms (mood and lack of interest) with “often” or “always.” Compared with nonsmoking, heavier smoking was associated with 2 to 3 times the prevalence of depression. Depression was strongly associated with the number of cigarettes smoked; it was found in 13% of nonsmokers, 22% of light smokers (10 or fewer cigarettes per day), and 29% of those who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day.