Depression in postpartum and non-postpartum women: prevalence and risk factors.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of depression in postpartum women as compared with non-postpartum women, and to identify risk factors of depression in both groups.


METHODS
A population based questionnaire study was performed among women 18-40 years in two municipalities in Norway in 1998-1999. A total of 2,730 women were included, of whom 416 were in the postpartum period.


RESULTS
The prevalence of depression was higher in non-postpartum as compared with postpartum women. High scores on the life event scale, a history of depression and a poor relationship to the partner were associated with depression in both postpartum and non-postpartum women. When controlling for the identified risk factors of depression the odds-ratio for depression in the postpartum period was 1.6 (95% CI: 1.0-2.6).


CONCLUSIONS
The risk for depression was increased in the postpartum period, when controlling for the uneven distribution of risk factors.
Eberhard-Gran
M
M
Section of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. malin.eberhard-gran@folkehelsa.no
Eskild
A
A
Tambs
K
K
Samuelsen
S O
SO
Opjordsmoen
S
S
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D016387:Women's Health