Prevalence and associated risk factors of postpartum depression: a cross sectional study

Abstract Background Postpartum mood disturbance affects up to 85% of women, with most symptoms of this disturbance being temporary and mild. However up to one in seven women experience a persistent type of depression which is associated with major maternal and neonatal morbidity if it is not managed. Objective To estimate the prevalence of postpartum depression and to identify the associated risk factors. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted in randomly selected 3 primary health care centers affiliated to Suez governorate, Egypt. An interviewed questionnaire was used containing potential risk factors for postpartum depression. An Arabic version of the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) was used to screen for postpartum depression symptoms. Results A total of 237 postpartum mothers were included in the study. 139 (58.6%) of the mothers completed secondary level of education, 195 (82.3%) of them were housewives and 181 (76.4%) had cesarean section. The estimated postpartum depression prevalence was 26.6% and suicidal ideation accounted for 4.6%. Factors significantly associated with high EPDS scores were bad relationship with the husband, having >2 children, an unplanned pregnancy and unhealthy newborn; with P-values of 0.000, 0.004, 0.000, and 0.018, respectively. Discussion the prevalence of postpartum depression among Egyptian women is considered slightly high with its negative and long term consequences on the mothers and their children, accordingly screening, proper management & referral to specialist care is highly recommended.