Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in Southeastern Iranian Women

Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly impacts maternal mental health and child well-being, necessitating a clear understanding of its prevalence and risk factors to inform effective interventions in Iran.

This cross-sectional study, conducted in Kerman, eastern Iran, from April to December 2023, recruited 876 women from multiple healthcare centers. Data were collected using the validated Persian Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS, score > 12) with DSM-5 clinical confirmation, alongside a questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, marital relationships, and support systems. Logistic regression analyses determined the point prevalence of PPD and identified significant risk and protective factors.

The point prevalence of PPD was 29.1% (255/876, 95% CI: 26.2-32.2). Independent predictors of higher PPD odds included delivery outside a healthcare facility (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.25-2.21, p = 0.015), maternal history of depression (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.60-3.00, p < 0.001), infant abnormalities (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.10-2.40, p = 0.014), poor breastfeeding experience (AOR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.30-4.70, p = 0.006), excessive infant crying (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.20-2.50, p = 0.003), husband's chronic illness (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.21-1.69, p = 0.043), and husband's history of depression (AOR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.17-1.72, p = 0.045). Protective factors included husband's involvement in childcare (AOR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.42-0.90, p = 0.017), adequate emotional support (AOR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.45-0.95, p = 0.025), and satisfaction with the baby's gender (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.50-0.95, p = 0.023).

The 29.1% point prevalence of PPD underscores the urgent need for enhanced screening, community-based support, and targeted interventions addressing modifiable factors like breastfeeding difficulties and partner support to improve maternal and child health outcomes in Iran.