From antepartum to postpartum: a prospective study on the prevalence of peripartum depression in a semiurban Turkish community.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the prevalence of depression in the last trimester of pregnancy and within the first 6 months postpartum, to determine whether there is an association between antepartum and postpartum depression and to investigate the risk factors prospectively in a cohort of Turkish women.


METHODS
In a prospective, community-based, cohort study, 125 women who expected to give birth during the first 6 months of 2002 (January 1, 2002-June 30, 2002) were included. Depression was measured at 36-38 weeks antepartum and then again at 5-8, 10-14 and 20-26 weeks postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. A questionnaire that was devised to collect data on sociodemographic and clinical information on the women was applied.


RESULTS
The prevalence of depression was highest in pregnancy (21.6%) and declined gradually in the follow-up period (respectively, 16.8%, 14.4% and 9.6%). Antepartum depression was a statistically significant risk factor during the 6 months postpartum in each of the 3 assessments. In the logistic model, past history of mental illness, history of mental illness in first-degree relatives and adverse life events were associated with antepartum depression; low income, adverse life events and a poor relationship with the husband were associated with postpartum depression.


CONCLUSIONS
Evaluations made in'the last trimester of pregnancy should be very helpful in diagnosing and preventing depression in women at high risk.
Gulseren
Leyla
L
Department of Psychiatry, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Ministry of Health. leylagulseren@hotmail.com
Erol
Almila
A
Gulseren
Seref
S
Kuey
Levent
L
Kilic
Bulent
B
Ergor
Gul
G
D015331:Cohort Studies; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology