Is there a role for the family and close community to help reduce the risk of postpartum depression in new mothers? A cross-sectional study of Turkish women.
OBJECTIVE
Postpartum depression is an important and under-diagnosed problem. The aims of this study were (1) to compare the prevalence of depressive symptomology in Turkish mothers who were 1-3 months postpartum with the prevalence of depressive symptomology in mothers who had not been pregnant for at least 1 year, (2) to identify risk factors associated with depression in both groups, and (3) to examine the effect of postpartum depression on breastfeeding by the mothers.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study


METHODS
Well-baby clinic


METHODS
326 women enrolled in January 2001; 163 were 1-3 months postpartum, and 163 had not been pregnant in the previous year.


RESULTS
The prevalence of depressive symptomology in the postpartum and non-postpartum groups was 17% (28/163) and 24.5% (40/163), respectively; this was not statistically significant (P = 0.102). When we compared mean Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (10.75 +/- 8.06 and 12.63 +/- 8.81, respectively, P = 0.045). Premenstrual tension and a history of depression were risk factors for depressive symptomology in both groups. Three or more births and a history of induced abortion were risk factors for depressive symptomology in the non-postpartum group. In the postpartum group, the effect of depression on breast-feeding was not statistically significant (P = 0.7). The generalisability of the study results to the community is limited.


CONCLUSIONS
In this study, the prevalence of depressive symptomology in the postpartum and non-postpartum groups did not show a significant difference, but the prevalence of depressive symptomology was high in both groups. Postpartum depression did not have a negative effect on breast-feeding. Lower BDI scores in the postpartum period may be the result of the protective factors of motherhood which is a respected status for women in populations where the preservations of traditions and customs are valued.
Kara
Bülent
B
Department of Pediatrics, Medicine Faculty, Kocaeli University, Derince, Kocaeli 41900, Turkey. bulentkara@excite.com
Unalan
Pemra
P
Cifçili
Serap
S
Cebeci
Dilşad Save
DS
Sarper
Nazan
N
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000523:psychology; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013997:Time Factors; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology