Risk factors and help-seeking behavior for postpartum depression following Edinburgh postnatal depression scale...

Postpartum depression is a significant mental health condition that may lead to severe consequences, including suicidal ideation. This study aimed to determine the risk groups, and help-seeking behavior among postpartum women screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This retrospective study included 586 postpartum women. EPDS scores were categorized as ≤9 (low risk), 10-12 (mild risk), and ≥13 (high risk). Demographic and obstetric data, including delivery characteristics and neonatal outcomes, were analyzed. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with higher depression scores. The incidence of high-risk postpartum depression was found to be 8.36% (n = 49/586). Regarding help-seeking behavior, while all patients scoring 10 or higher on the EPDS were formally referred for psychiatric evaluation, the subsequent clinical admission rate to the psychiatric outpatient clinic was only 13.7%. The proportion of preterm births was higher in the high-score group (≥13) compared with the low-score group (≤9) (32.7% vs 18.1%, respectively), demonstrating a marginally significant association (p = 0.050, Cramer's V = 0.10). The 5-minute Apgar score was inversely associated with higher depression scores (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77-0.99, p = 0.031). Cesarean and assisted vaginal deliveries showed a tendency toward increased risk, although these associations were not statistically significant. Despite screening, help-seeking behavior among at-risk women remained markedly low, highlighting a critical gap between identification and access to care. Targeted screening of high-risk groups, particularly women with preterm birth or adverse neonatal outcomes, may improve early detection and intervention.