Prevalence of postpartum depression and influencing factors among women in the city center of Denizli

Introduction And Aim: The postpartum period, during which significant biological changes occur in women, represents a complex phase of life where both psychological and social differences are observed. The first 6 months of this period pose a high risk for postpartum depression, which negatively impacts the health of both the mother and the baby, making it a significant public health concern worldwide. Identification of this risk through self-report scales conducted in family health centers enables proactive measures to be taken. This study aims to determine the frequency of postpartum depression and associated factors among women in the city center of Denizli. Materials And Methods: This cross-sectional study included 150 voluntary women who applied to 8 family health centers selected from the city center of Denizli between August 15, 2022, and August 15, 2023. After obtaining written consent from the participants, a questionnaire containing socio-demographic data and the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale, which has Turkish validity and reliability studies, was administered in face-to-face interviews. Descriptive findings were presented using numbers, percentages, and mean or median values. The relationship between the dependent and independent variables was assessed using chi-square and logistic regression analysis. A significance level of p < 0.05 was accepted statistically. Results: The mean age of the participants in our study was 31.80 ± 4.11 years, with a mean postpartum period of 3.30 ± 1.53 months. The lowest score obtained from the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale was 36, the highest was 71, and the total score average was found to be 49.09 ± 7.62. According to the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale, the frequency of postpartum depression was 20%. Unplanned pregnancy, the baby experiencing health issues after birth, the presence of the baby's sleep problems, and the mother having issues with extended family members were identified as risk factors for postpartum depression. Conclusion: The frequency of postpartum depression in our study was determined to be 20%. It has been found that the risk of postpartum depression is higher in women who got pregnant without planning, who think their baby has sleep problems, whose baby has health problems, and who state that they have problems with their family elders. Early detection of postpartum depression through screenings is crucial for selecting appropriate treatment and accessing psychosocial support promptly. This approach can help mitigate the negative impacts of the condition on the mother, baby, and family. Future studies are recommended to comprehensively investigate socio-demographic, biological, and cultural factors that influence postpartum depression for prevention and early diagnosis purposes.