RESUMO
Introduction: Postpartum depression is a prevalent disorder that has undesirable effects on mother and child's health. Its prevalence is reported different in various studies
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of postpartum depression in mothers who delivered at Alzahra hospital in Rasht in 2004
Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study 335 women who delivered at Alzahra hospital after signing informed consent were assessed with a demographic questionnaire including variables [age, live child number, home living, delivery type, wanted or unwanted pregnancy, history of abortion or dead child, delivery number, educational level, employment status after delivery]. Samples were screened with Beck depression inventory [a standard self questionnaire and independent of any cultural bias] 2-3 weeks after delivery. For mothers who scored 16 or higher, a structural clinical interview for major depressive disease was done. The interview results were evaluated according to DSMIV-TR criteria and the results were analyzed and statistically significant difference was determined [alpha=0/05]
Results: According to the screening examination, 61 patients had mild depression [scoring 16-230] and 6 patients suffered moderate depression [scoring 31-46]. From 59 patients who referred for clinical interview, 48 had essential depression disorder based on DSMIV-TR and 43 had mild depression. There was a significant relationship between mothers' occupation and depression [P=0.02] and between history of still birth and infant death in past with depression [P=0.02]
Conclusion: The prevalence of mild depression in our study was notable. In addition to the limitations of this study, more studies with more specific screening assessment and more subjects are recommended