Postpartum depressive symptoms and associated factors among women with lactation mastitis: a cross-sectional study

Lactation mastitis is a common complication during breastfeeding that can negatively impact maternal well-being and breastfeeding continuation. While the physical manifestations of lactation mastitis have been widely studied, its psychological burden and related contributing factors among affected women have received comparatively less attention. This study aimed to investigate postpartum depressive symptoms and associated factors in women diagnosed with lactation mastitis.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 87 women with lactation mastitis at a tertiary hospital in China. Participants completed a structured questionnaire encompassing five domains: demographics and perinatal history, personal and breast history, psychological and emotional state, breastfeeding practices and nipple condition, and infant characteristics and interaction. Postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Descriptive statistics, group comparisons, multivariable logistic regression, and sensitivity analyses were used to identify factors associated with elevated EPDS scores.

Overall, 49.4% of participants scored above the clinical threshold for postpartum depressive symptoms on the EPDS. Multivariable logistic regression identified emotional tension during breastfeeding (odds ratio[OR] = 6.807, P = 0.016), younger maternal age (OR = 0.794, P = 0.023), vaginal delivery (OR = 3.382, P = 0.032), and pacifier use (OR = 5.103, P = 0.006) as independent correlates of elevated depressive symptoms. These associations remained robust across sensitivity analyses.

Women with lactation mastitis appear to be at heightened risk of postpartum depressive symptoms and are associated with both maternal and infant-related factors. Early identification of psychological distress, combined with integrated breastfeeding and mental health support, may help address maternal needs and enhance postpartum care.