Risk factors for early and late postpartum depression: A prospective study from Turkey

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the prevelance of postpartum depression and risk factors for postpartum depression the 6th week and 6thmonth after the delivery. Methods: A cohort study a random survey method were used. 96 women were included in sample group for the 6th week after the delivery, 74 women were included for the 6th month after the delivery. Results: The occurrence of postpartum depression was determined to be 31.3% in the 6th week, and 18.9% in the 6th month. Strong predictors of depression at 6th week were as follows: Economical difficulties, to graduate from primary school, unintended pregnancy, to strain of caring for the baby, the baby’s sleep problem, lack of husband’s support during pregnancy. Strong predictors of depression at 6th month were as follows: Physical problems in postpartum, being married for five years or less, the baby crying for long periods, the baby who underwent treatment for any reason, and the presence of depression at 6th week. Conclusion: The findings of this research suggested that every woman who gives birth should be scanned for depression during the first 6months postpartum and that especially women who have the predetermined risk factors should be more closely monitored.