OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalance and risk factors of postpartum depression in Aydin Province.

MATERIALS and METHODS:

Across-sectional design was used to study a group of women with six to eight weeks old babies, in Aydin city center. Multistage sampling method was used in the selection of the study group. Questionnaire forms were administered to 248 women by face to face interview technique. Edinburg Postpartum Depression Scale was used for the assessment of postpartum depression. Also family and friend social support scale were used. General health questionnaire was used in order to assess general health status and social support need of women.

RESULTS:

Postpartum depression prevalance of last pregnancy period of women was 12,5 %. In univariate analysis, living arrangements, stresfull life events within family environment, marrital problems, violence from husband, unintended pregnancy, psychologic problems before pregnancy, bad relationships with her or husband's family, bad relationships with her family or friends were significant risk factors for postpartum depression (p<0,05). In the final model of multivariate analyses, factors those effect postpartum depression were: living with mothers-fathers-sisters or brothers 3.533 (95% CI 1.269-9.838), stressfull events in family 2.674 (95% CI 1.037- 6.896), psychologic problems before pregnancy 9.867 (95% CI 2.043-47.644) and bad relationships with her own family 4.650 (95% CI 1.473-14.679).

CONCLUSION:

Postpartum depression is mostly neglected in developing countries in which other health problems are considered to be more important. Therefore, it is essential to identify women under the risk of postpartum depression using simple screening tools like Edinbug Postpartum Depression Scale where antenatal and postpartum follow-up visits are made by midwives.

Keywords: Postpartum, depression, depressive disorder, women's health