Postpartum depression and affecting factors in primary care

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health concern affecting maternal and infant well-being.
• Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing PPD and mitigating its adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and identify factors associated with postpartum depression (PPD) in Edirne city center.
• To assess the utility of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) in identifying mothers at risk for PPD.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 111 pregnant women in their third trimester.
• Sociodemographic data and Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care (BDI-PC) were collected prenatally.
• The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was administered to 100 women in the first and second months postpartum.

Main Results:

• The overall frequency of PPD was 14% in the first month and 17% in the second month, with 24% of mothers experiencing PPD within two months.
• Risk factors for PPD included younger maternal age, unemployed husband, lower income, child's health problems, and not breastfeeding.
• No significant association was found between PPD and maternal education, marriage age, previous PPD, family psychiatric history, number of children, delivery method, or unwanted pregnancy.

Conclusions:

• Postpartum depression (PPD) represents a considerable community health issue.
• Monitoring and screening high-risk mothers using the EPDS in primary care settings can aid in PPD prevention and management.