Association Between Age at First Live Birth and Depression Among Women in the US

Strategic Insights -

A new study, published in the Depression and Anxiety journal, has explored the relationship between age at first live birth and depression among women in the United States. The researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018, involving 10,399 participants. The study found that women who had their first live birth at a younger age were more likely to experience depression, and that this relationship remained significant even after adjusting for various factors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Women who had their first live birth at a younger age (18-25) were more likely to experience depression (47% decrease in depression prevalence).
  • Women who had their first live birth at age 25 or older had a 76% decrease in depression prevalence.
  • Every year increase in age at first live birth was associated with an 11% reduction in depression prevalence.
  • Women with depressive symptoms were more likely to be single, have lower incomes and education levels, be smokers, and exhibit higher body mass indexes (BMIs) or sleep disorders.
  • The association between age at first live birth and depression was significant even after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

Statistics:

  • 1260 out of 10,399 participants exhibited depressive symptoms (12.2%).
  • Women with first live births at 18-25 years old had a 47% decrease in depression prevalence.
  • Women with first live births at age 25 or older had a 76% decrease in depression prevalence.
  • Every year increase in age at first live birth was associated with an 11% reduction in depression prevalence.

Sources:

  • The Association Between Age at First Live Birth and Depression: Results From NHANES 2005-2018. Depression and Anxiety, 2025;2025(1):6614889. Depression and Anxiety can be contacted at: Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA.
  • Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dept. of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tehran, Iran.
  • Depression and Anxiety. Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA.