Investigation of postpartum depression factors

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to investigate the factors which cause the postpartum depression processing. In 5 May-31 December 2004, a total of 256 postpartum women in Afyon were interviewed for the first 1-12 months after delivery. Two questionnaires were used for investigation of these factors according to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). It is supposed that the women with EPDS > 13 have a higher risk score than others. Concerning the data, Independent Sample t-Test, Pearson chi- square (x2) test, and percentage ratios were used in some analyses. As a result of this study, it was found that the women with a high risk of postpartum depression in city-town of Afyon was 28,5%. For this group, there were no differences between the risk of postnatal depression and the family conditions with the social adversity, or other factors (i.e., the worries about weight problem, or the difficulties of house works after delivery). On the other hand, it was found that the women was associated with a poor social status and lower educational level. During their pregnancy (mostly unwilling), they took little excessive weight and chose vaginal delivery. Beyond of these, they fell less confident as a mother after delivery. According to the results of research, in order to develop the treatment of postpartum depression, mothers or candidates should be prepared for the change of their life during and after pregnancy. Clinicians should discuss expectations with mothers to improve satisfaction. Key words: Postpartum depression, risk factors, EPDS score