Postpartum depression and correlated factors in women who received in vitro fertilization treatment

Postpartum depression is a significant mental health problem that occurs more frequently in the first 4 weeks postpartum and also may occur later during the first postpartum year. Women who receive in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment have a particular perinatal experience that may create postpartum mental health concerns. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate factors associated with postpartum depression in women who received IVF treatment.

Sixty of 71 eligible postpartum women who were treated at an infertility treatment center and who conceived by IVF were included in this study, which used a self-administered, structured questionnaire.

The prevalence of postpartum depression was 25%, including mild (16.7%), moderate (6.7%), and severe (1.7%). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the frequency of receiving IVF treatment and perceived stress were positively correlated with postpartum depression, whereas family function and social support were negatively correlated with postpartum depression. Multiple regression analysis showed that the frequency of receiving IVF treatment, birth method, and social support were significant predictive factors for postpartum depression when covariates were controlled (R(2) 56.6%).

A higher frequency of IVF treatment, cesarean birth, and inadequate social support increase the possibility of postpartum depression, and clinicians should provide appropriate anticipatory education or counseling.