Evaluation of Risk Factors for the Postpartum Depression with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Score / 대한주산의학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Postpartum depression is one of the serious diseases which can influence on the mother, newborn, and the family if the recognition and treatment is not immediately performed. Currently, there are lots of known factors and diagnostic methods of postpartum depression. We studied the various factors that can affect postpartum depression. METHODS: Participants were 93 mothers who delivered at our hospital between February 1st, 2007 and November 30th, 2007. We recorded their education status, occupation, parity, delivery method, obstetrical or medical problems during pregnancy, breast-feeding period, newborn admission period, and having herb intake after delivery. Relationship between the frequency of postpartum depression and the factors we recorded was studied. RESULTS: Among many factors, the frequency of postpartum depression occurrence was significantly higher in multiparity, and was associated with herb intake after delivery with borderline significance. The frequency of breast feeding was significantly higher in women without postpartum depression. CONCLUSION: Based on the result of this study, obstetricians could support better treatment and prevent postpartum depression by giving more attention to mothers who have risk factors of postpartum depression.