Author

Lori Spoozak

Date of Award

7-9-2009

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Medical Doctor (MD)

First Advisor

Kimberly Yonkers

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Kendler Social Support Interview modified for administration to pregnant women and to assess the relationship between social support and depression in the first trimester of pregnancy. Subjects were administered the Modified Kendler Social Support Interview (MKSSI) and the Composite International Diagnostic Index to diagnose depression. Principal components analysis was employed to construct the MKSSI score. Cronbachs coefficient alpha and principal factor analysis were run for items included in the MKSSI score. The relationship between a depressive diagnosis and the MKSSI score and subscales was assessed by logistic regression. Cronbachs coefficient alpha was high at 0.86. A one-unit increase in the MKSSI score, the difference between the 25th and 75th percentile, was associated with a 58.3% lower odds of depression (OR = 0.417, 95% CI=0.284-0.612). Higher MKSSI score, indicating greater social support, was significantly associated (p< 0.001) with reduced odds for depression in the first trimester. Subscales were factored by source of support. A high subscale score for all relationships except siblings was significantly associated (p< 0.05) with reduced odds for depression, but not as robustly as the total score. Therefore, the MKSSI is reliable and valid for use in D426pregnant women to assess social support.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

Open Access

This Article is Open Access

Share

COinS