Multivariate analysis of risk factors for postpartum depression

Abstract

Introduction and objective Postpartum depression affects between 7% – 20% of women worldwide. Risk assessment of depressive symptoms plays a key role in ensuring the mental health and proper functioning of women after childbirth. The aim of the study is to assess the severity of postpartum depression and conduct multivariate analysis of risk factors. Material and methods 80 women in the third trimester of pregnancy were invited to participate in the study and asked for contact after childbirth. Recruitment for the study took place while the pregnant women were staying at the Pregnancy Pathology Ward and the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, Diabetology Clinic and Obstetrics Emergency Room. The research project was carried out from February – May 2019. Ultimately, 70 women took part in the project on average in week 4 of puerperium. The research tools were a questionnaire of own design and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Results The risk of depressive symptoms was found in 18.6% of women after childbirth. Multi-dimensional logistic regression showed that age (p = 0.014), anxiety due to motherhood (p = 0.019) and the occurrence of difficulties in looking after a child (p = 0.005) were the factors significantly associated with the symptoms of postpartum depression. Conclusions The incidence of postpartum depression in the study sample did not differ significantly from the incidence reported in the literature. Worldwide. The risk of postpartum depression symptoms increased with age. Anxiety due to motherhood and difficulties in looking after a child proved to be crucial determinants of depressive symptoms. Fertility at the level of three or more deliveries and individual personality types of women did not influence the occurrence of postpartum depression.

Keywords

• childbirth
• postpartum depression
• risk factors
• edinburgh postnatal depression scale