Funding outcome

Perinatal depression is defined as depression experienced by pregnant or postpartum individuals and impacts about one-quarter of all pregnant individuals in Canada. Perinatal depression is linked with pregnancy complications such as premature delivery, low birth weight and impaired child development. Research shows that early detection of depression can lead to timely management and improve future health of pregnant individuals and their children. Traditionally, research on maternal depression has focussed on biological and behavioural risk factors. It is crucial to evaluate all potential factors that contribute to the development of perinatal depression. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the role of the home environment in maternal depression and develop a prediction tool. Home environment is defined broadly and includes general housing characteristics (e.g. housing stability, type of housing [condos/single family/acreage], ownership/rental) and physical household exposures (e.g. disinfectants, stoves/kerosene oil, pets, pests infestation, indoor smoking). In the first phase of the project, I will summarize the available scientific literature on the association between household factors and perinatal depression. The second phase of the project will utilize CHILD study data. CHILD is the largest pre-birth longitudinal study in Canada and contains an in-depth assessment of the home environment. Household factors (identified in phase 1) will be selected to generate a model to predict perinatal depression. The predication index may help identify pregnant individuals at most risk of perinatal depression and initiate early intervention.