Maternal postpartum mood and anxiety disorder symptoms and parent-reported infant health-related quality of life at 1 year: a cohort study.

Abstract

To estimate the association between maternal perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) symptoms and infant health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Retrospective cohort study. Maternal survey data representative of all live births in 2020 in three US states (Kansas, New Jersey and Virginia). Early (4-6 months postpartum) and late (12-14 months postpartum) PMAD symptoms. Survey-weighted adjusted logistic regression models estimated the association between maternal PMAD symptoms and parent-reported infant HRQoL measures including overall health, physical limitations and multiple domains of growth and development at 12-14 months. Maternal postpartum PMAD symptoms were associated with increased odds of parent-reported mediocre or bad infant health (9.4% v 4.3%, aOR 2.1 (1.1-3.9)) and at least one growth and development problem (19.2% vs 13.0%, aOR 1.7 (1.1-2.7)), but not with infant physical functioning. Differences in infant growth and development were larger for mothers with late postpartum PMAD symptoms compared with those with no or only early PMAD symptoms. Greater differences were also reported by parents experiencing anxiety symptoms compared with those with only depressive symptoms. Maternal PMAD symptoms were associated with perceived differences in infant health, growth and development, particularly in the late postpartum period. This association may arise from a causative relationship between PMAD and infant development: conversely, infant health concerns may drive PMAD symptoms. Both mechanisms support the need for screening, diagnosis and treatment for parental anxiety and depression beyond the early postpartum period.