Postpartum depression: incidence and risk factors associate

Abstract

Postpartum psychiatric illnesses were recognized as specific disorder recently. Therefore, they are under-researched and there’s few knowledge about them. However, the diagnosis is important due to morbidity and frequency that affects the mothers. The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) is 10-15%, with studies pointing to 22%. Its etiology is multifactorial and includes biological, psychological and social factors, and may last up to one year after delivery. We sought to evaluate the incidence of PPD in mothers during the first year postpartum in Curitiba - PR, still trying to identify mood changes occurring in the postpartum period and the main risk factors associated with the development of PPD. We applied two questionnaires, the socioeconomic profile and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, aiming to track mothers with symptoms compatible with PPD. Scores greater than or equal to 10 were considered positive and referred for evaluation with a specialized professional. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 10.0. We analyzed 146 mothers with a mean age of 28.97 years and the postpartum period majority of 3-6 months. There was a predominance of married mothers with higher education and income of 6.4 minimum wages. A total of 31.5% of mothers had scores compatible with PPD, without peak regarding the period after delivery. Unsatisfactory relationship proved to be a risk factor for PPD and helps unsatisfactory as a possible factor. Age and maternal education, marital status and income showed no statistical significance. It’s was found an average of DPP-compatible cases above the described in the literature, however, this average is presented with great variation, indicating the cultural and environmental character of the disorder