Assessment of some potential risk factors of postpartum depression

ABSTRACT

Postpartum depression [PPD] has pathological consequences for mother and infant. This study examined some potential risk factors of PPD in Iran. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study which included patients attending two health centers at two months postpartum. They were screened for PPD using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS]. The participants were 27.93 +/- 5.31 years of age. The prevalence of positive screening test was 21.4%. Unwanted pregnancy material dissatisfaction, infant gender dissatisfaction, lower socioeconomic status, lower educational level, infant illness and previous depression were significantly higher [p<0.05] among women with high score on the EPDS. Women with positive test who have risk factors may warrant more detailed assessment program. A brief semi- structured psychiatric interview may be a more accurate assessment tools