Prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression in China: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major public health problem worldwide, which adversely affects maternal and infant health. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and related factors of postpartum depression in Chinese puerperium women.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Baoan Maternal and Child Health Hospital located in the west of Shenzhen, China. The Chinese version of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to screen PPD. A score of ≥10 was used as the threshold of postpartum depression.

A total of 4813 puerperal women were included in this study, 11.5% of whom were considered to have PPD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that family history of mental illness (OR = 1.94; 95% CI, 1.05-3.57; P = 0.033), living with parents-in-law (OR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.16-1.72; P < 0.001), anxiety during pregnancy (OR = 3.66; 95% CI, 2.97-4. 52; P < 0.001), depression during pregnancy (OR = 4.25; 95% CI, 3.28-5.50; P < 0.001), and stressful life events (OR = 1.50; 95% CI, 1.03-2.20; P = 0.036) were associated with the high prevalence of PPD.

The cross-sectional survey cannot assess direct causality. EPDS is just a screening tool and not a diagnostic one.

Postpartum depression is a common disease in Chinese puerperal population. High-risk pregnant women with postpartum depression need routine screening and targeted intervention for PPD.