Conclusion/Implications
The prevalence rates of both postpartum depression and PTSD were
statistically higher at 2 months after delivery among women who had had
a PPH (respectively 24.4% and 12.8%) compared with the control group
(respectively 18.2% and 7.6%).
After adjustment, the mean scores for PTSD remained significantly higher
at one year among women with PPH (7.6, 95%CI, 6.3-9.1 vs 5.8%,
95%CI, 4.9-6.8, p=0.02). Moreover, the prevalence of psychological
disorders was quite high, including in the control group, and even long
after delivery. Perinatal professionals must bear these high rates in
mind and systematically screen for psychological disorders during the
long postpartum period. Further studies are needed to determine, among
all young mothers, which parts of the care process are critical, and to
assess what type of structured additional support might be appropriate
and effective. Elsewhere, further studies should assess the impact of a
national screening programme using validated instruments conducted by
perinatal health-care providers.