Risk factors for post partum depression

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a public health problem with high prevalence in Chile. Many factors are associated with PPD. Aim: To analyze the factors associated with the incidence of depressive symptoms (SD) in women with low obstetric risk. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study on a sample of 105 postpartum women with low obstetric risk assessed by the Edinburgh Depression Scale at the eighth week postpartum. Results: A 37% prevalence of depressive symptoms was found. Univariate analysis showed that the perception of family functioning, overcrowding and number of siblings, were significantly associated with postpartum depressive symptoms. A multiple regression model only accepted family functioning as a predictor of depression. Conclusions: Perception of family functioning was the only variable that explained in part the presence of depressive symptoms in women with low obstetric risk. (Rev Med Chile 2012; 140: 719-725).