09: Analysis of Factors Influencing Maternal Parenting Anxiety in Japan Using a Proportional Odds Model

Music City Center 

Postpartum depression is a mental disorder experienced by approximately one in seven women within the first year after childbirth. It is considered to have a complex causal relationship over time, making it difficult to evaluate in a classic cohort study that assesses cause and identifies onset at a single point in time. Our study focused on the psychological factors contributing to postpartum depression, specifically examining factors related to parenting anxiety. Our study used Japanese birth cohort data that followed 1701 pregnant women recruited between 2003 and 2005. To identify relevant factors, we used ANOVA for continuous variables and chi-square tests or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables. A proportional odds model was then applied, with variable selection performed using stepwise method. The results showed that having a playmate for the child and someone to consult or assist with childcare were significantly associated with reduced parenting anxiety at all time points. Given that these factors remained significant over time, the study highlights the importance of continuous, rather than one-time, interventions to support mothers.

Postpartum depression

Parenting anxiety

Proportional odds model

Stepwise method

Maternal mental health

Childcare support 

Section on Statistics in Epidemiology