Resident Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center Kew Gardens, New York, United States
Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mood disorder affecting the mother-infant dyad. PPD’s incidence is 12% with an overall prevalence of 17%. Currently, there is an increasing trend of recreational cannabis use with its legalization. Studies on cannabis use and postpartum depression are limited. Objective: This study aims to identify the association between cannabis use before, during, and/or after pregnancy and positive postpartum depression screening. Design/Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted on mothers of infants aged two to 12 months visiting for well-child at our community pediatric clinics from July 2023 to February 2024. We developed a modified and anonymous survey form based on the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) and National Survey of Children’s Health Questionnaires. An Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was the validated tool used to screen for postpartum depression. Mothers with limited English reading fluency and those with a personal history of major depression, postpartum depression, anxiety disorder, and illicit drug use other than marijuana were excluded. The association between cannabis use before, during, and/or after pregnancy and the presence of a positive EPDS score were analyzed via logistic regression.
