The Underlying Factors for Postpartum Depression Severity in Iran: A Single-Center Study

Azadeh Shabani; Mahshid Farahbakhsh; Azadeh Mazaheri Meybodi; Nafiseh Faghih; Mohammad Haddadi

doi:10.18502/jfrh.v17i3.13541

Azadeh Shabani Preventative Gynecology Research Center (PGRC), Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Mahshid Farahbakhsh School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Azadeh Mazaheri Meybodi Hospital Research Development Committee and Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Nafiseh Faghih Gynecology Department, Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Haddadi Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jfrh.v17i3.13541

Keywords: Postpartum Depression; Mental Health; Women's Health; Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental disorder among women and it can cause negative consequences for them, children, and families; however, accurate statistics and underlying factors on PPD and its severity are not available in Iran.

Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 women referred to an academic hospital for normal vaginal delivery, which had a full-term and single pregnancy and had passed between 6 weeks and 6 months of delivery, were selected by convenience sampling methods. The Edinburgh Depression Inventory and the checklist for demographic information of mothers were completed.

Results: The prevalence of postpartum depression was 11.0% and 68.2% of mothers had a mild type. 31.8% had a history of depression. There was a significant relationship between the severity of postpartum depression in women with a previous history of depression (P = 0.012). Between postpartum depression and maternal age (P = 0.115), body mass index at delivery (P = 0.571), number of pregnancies (P = 0.693), number of deliveries (P = 0.446), number of abortions (P = 0.424), willing
or unwilling pregnancy (P = 0.451), neonatal sex (P = 0.533), history of neonatal hospitalization
(P = 0.725), previous history disease (P = 0.725) was no statistical association.

Conclusion: The prevalence of PPD was approximately 11%, and there was a significant association between postpartum depression severity and a history of depression Physicians and policymakers should consider early screening for PPD, especially among women with previous depression.