Symptoms of Depression in the Postpartum Period: Targeting Maternal Mental Health in the Perinatal Period

Flávia Silva E Oliveira1, Dalete Delalibera Faria de Correa Mota2, Janaína Valadares Guimarães1

  • 1Faculdade de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Goiás (FEN - UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.

PubMed

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationship between postpartum depression symptoms, anxiety, and stress during the postpartum period. A total of 101 women were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) within 14 days after delivery. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that paid work, tobacco use, and stress symptoms were significantly associated with a higher incidence of postpartum depression symptoms. These results underscore the importance of comprehensive prenatal care and effective postpartum follow-up to address maternal mental health and prevent adverse outcomes for both mothers and children.

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