The relationship of postpartum depression with sociodemographic factors

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we aimed to assess the incidence of postpartum depression, factors affecting the development of postpartum depression and to make a detailed analysis of intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy and its effects on postpartum depression. Material and Method: This study enrolled 220 participants who were 2-6 months in puerperiumperiod. The ssociodemographic features of the participants and the levels of physical, economic, sexual, and psychological IPV exposed during pregnancy were rated using Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) that determines the risk of postpartum depression. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of 220 participants was 30.84±6.032 years. Thirty-five (15.9%) participants scored 13 or higher in the EPDS score; these 35 participants were considered to have postpartum depression (PPD). There was a significant difference between the EPDS scores by the educational levels of the partners (p<0.05). EPDS score was affected significantly by having a delivery under urgent conditions, developing any infantile complication during delivery, physical and psychological IPV had a significant effect on EPDS (p<0.05). Marriage age and educational level had a significant correlation with physical IPV (p<0.05). Discussion: PPD is a highly prevalent disorder that adversely affects the quality of life of a mother, infant, and all family members. Mothers in the postpartum period should be more closely followed and PPD must be questioned in family health centers.