[Association between disrespect and abuse during labor and the risk of postpartum depression: a cross-sectional...

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between disrespect and abuse during labor and the risk of postpartum depression. This is a cross-sectional study carried out with women from the rural and urban areas of Caxias, Maranhão State, Brazil. Postpartum depression was considered the dependent variable, assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The independent variables were sociodemographic characteristics, mental health history, behavioral aspects, obstetric characteristics and self-perception of disrespect and abuse during labor. Pearson's chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used to assess the association between postpartum depression and disrespect and abuse during labor. A total of 190 women were interviewed. The prevalence of postpartum depression was 16.3%. The occurrence of at least one type of disrespect and abuse during labor was 97.4%, with health system conditions and restrictions predominating (94.7%). More than half of the women (66.3%) suffered two forms of disrespect and abuse during labor, while three or more forms were reported by 22.6%. Suffering two (adjustedOR = 3.01; 95%CI 1.08-8.33) and three or more forms of disrespect and abuse during labor (adjustedOR = 3.41; 95%CI: 1.68-24.40) increased the chance of postpartum depression. There was a significant association between disrespect and abuse during labor and postpartum depression, and dignified and respectful care for women during childbirth were found to reduce the risk of postpartum depression symptoms.