Mahboobeh Shakeri - Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences,Ahvaz, Iran
Sima Jafarirad - Department of Nutrition, School of Para-medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences,Ahvaz, Iran

Background and Aim: This study was conducted to assess the association between mothers’ personality trait, perinatal depression and lipid profile Methods: 360 women 18-45 years of age were enrolled at 20 weeks gestation into a prospective cohort study in Ahvaz. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire was used as a screening tool for symptoms of perinatal depression at 38 - 40 weeks gestation, (EPDS > 12 depressed). A validated personality trait questionnaire (NEO personality inventory) was used to assess maternal personality. Blood samples were taken and lipid profiles were determined. Results: High neuroticism was associated with high scoring of depressive symptoms (p <0.01), while high conscientiousness women had lower scores of depressive symptoms (p< 0.05). Mean maternal serum triglyceride level and low density lipoprotein level in pregnant women with depressive symptoms was significantly higher than in those with non-depressive symptoms.Conclusion: It seems personality trait has relationship with depression occurrence during pregnancy also concentration of some lipid profiles.

Personality trait; depression; Pregnancy; Lipid Profile