Risk factors associated with postpartum depression in a high-risk maternity clinic: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate obstetric, epidemiological and social factors related to postpartum depression (PPD) and investigate possible risk factors related to this disorder, in puerperal women who had their childbirth and were referred to the High-Risk Outpatient Clinic.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study from August-December/2019 was carried out. One hundred seventy-one puerperal women were analyzed by filling out an epidemiological questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) Form. Scores ≥10 were considered positive. Research on risk factors for postpartum depression was carried out.

RESULTS

29.8% of mothers had a score related with PPD. Breastfeeding without complication is protective against PPD (P=0.002 and χ=12.533). In contrast, not having a planned pregnancy (P=0.0175, χ=5.717), having depression at any stage of life (P=0.013, χ=6.237), depression during pregnancy (P≤0.0001, χ=46.201) or having a family history of depression (P=0.001, χ=10.527), are factors associated with the development of PPD. Moreover, just having depression during pregnancy was found to be a significant risk factor for the occurrence of PPD, increasing the risk of developing this pathology by 12 times (OR=12.891).

CONCLUSIONS

Depression during pregnancy is an important risk factor for the development of PPD. This can easily be detected using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and treated in a timely manner.