Socioeconomic, Psychiatric and Materiality Determinants and Risk of Postpartum Depression in Border City of Ilam, Western Iran

Abstract EN

Background.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is considered as one of the mood disturbances occurring during 2-3 months after delivery.

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of PPD and its associated risk factors in border city of Ilam, western Iran.

Methods.

Through a descriptive cross-sectional study in 2011, overall, 197 women who attended Obstetrics & Gynecology clinics postpartumly in the border city of Ilam, western Iran, were randomly recruited.

A standard questionnaire that was completed by a trained midwife through face to face interviews was used for data gathering.

Results.

Mean age ± standard deviations was 27.9 ± 5.2 years.

Prevalence of PPD was estimated to be 34.8% (95% CI: 27.7–41.7).

A significant difference was observed among depression scores before and after delivery (P≤0.001).

Type of delivery (P=0.044), low socioeconomic status (P=0.011), and women having low educational level (P=0.009) were the most important significant risk factors associated with PPD.

The regression analysis showed that employed mothers compared to housekeepers were more at risk for PPD (adjusted OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.22–2.28, P=0.003).

Conclusions.

Prevalence of PPD in western Iran was slightly higher than the corresponding rate from either national or international reports.