Postpartum Depression and Its Contributing Factors among Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in North Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression is a common psychological problem that occurs after birth. It has become especially prevalent in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several factors contribute to postpartum depression. However, a limited study evaluated factors contributing postpartum depression among mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Indonesia.Purpose: This study aimed to explore postpartum depression among mothers and its contributing factors during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional design. A total of 110 postpartum mothers were recruited by accidental sampling with the following inclusion criteria: mothers between one month and one year after birth, married, a singleton birth and the baby alive, and the mother is healthy with no complications. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to measure postpartum depression. Descriptive statistics, t-test, Fisher exact test, one-way ANOVA, and logistic regression were performed to analyze the data.Results: The prevalence of postpartum depression during the pandemic period was 31.82%. Factors contributing to postpartum depression were the mother’s age (p=0.011), childcare stress (p=0.001), stressful life events (p=0.003), and pregnancy status (p=0.0001). A logistic regression showed that pregnant status (Unplanned/unwanted pregnancy) was the most contributor to postpartum depression (β=0.377, t=5.138, p=0.0001).Conclusion: This study identified a high rate of postpartum depression with related factors, including mother’s age, childcare stress, life stress, and unplanned/ unwanted pregnancy. Screening for postpartum depression is required to ensure early detection among postpartum mothers.

Association between Islamic religiosity, social support, marriage satisfaction, and postpartum depression in teenage mothers in West Java, Indonesia: A cross-sectional study

“…This could be attributed to cultural factors but was significantly correlated in the third month after childbirth when the family's involvement in supporting the mother after birth is prominent. This finding aligns with previous studies conducted in Indonesia (Aadillah & Nurbaeti, 2023 ; Nurbaeti et al, 2018 , 2019 ) but contradicts findings from studies in other countries (Easterbrooks et al, 2016 ; Falah-Hassani et al, 2016 ; Nilsen et al, 2013 ; Phipps et al, 2013 ).…”

“…This highlights the ongoing concern regarding mental health issues ((Falgas-Bague et al, 2023 ). The prevalence of postpartum depression in this study surpassed previous research conducted on postpartum mothers aged above 21 years (Aadillah & Nurbaeti, 2023 ; Nurbaeti et al, 2018 , 2019 ). Furthermore, the results align with a study conducted in the United States, suggesting that the rate of depression in adolescent mothers is higher than that in adult mothers during the postpartum period (Haroz et al, 2014 ).…”

“…The EPDS was developed by Cox et al ( 1987 ) to assess symptoms of postnatal depression. It has been widely translated and utilized among the Indonesian population (Aadillah & Nurbaeti, 2023 ; Handini & Puspitasari, 2021 ; Nurbaeti et al, 2018 , 2019 ). The scale consists of 10 questions, and respondents provide answers on a 4-point scale, with scores ranging from 0 to 3.…”

Postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: an umbrella review and meta-analyses

“…Conversely, women who did not share utensils and tools during the pandemic were at a lower risk of infection ( 47 ). Another study suggested that factors such as advanced maternal age, childcare concerns, living conditions, lack of social support, dissatisfaction with marital relationships, and unintended pregnancy may contribute to the occurrence of postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic ( 48 ).…”