Postpartum Depression and its Risk Factors: A Primary Care Study from Samsun, Türkiye

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to assess the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) and identify sociodemographic, psychiatric, and psychosocial factors that influence this risk.
METHODS: This cross-sectional, descriptive study examined 400 mothers who visited the Pediatric Health and Diseases outpatient clinics at Samsun Training and Research Hospital between July 1 and September 30, 2023, and who had 1-year-old infants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a sociodemographic information form and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). A score of ≥13 on the EPDS was considered indicative of PPD risk. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 23.0
software.
RESULTS: PPD risk was detected in 19.8% of participants. Statistically significant relationships were found between PPD risk and the following factors: Ýndividual psychiatric history (p<0.001), previous postpartum psychiatric problems (p<0.001), premenstrual emotional symptoms (p<0.001), low marital satisfaction (p=0.023), and insufficient social support (spouse, family, and spouse's family support). No significant relationships were found with other variables, such as educational status, income level, marital status, and tobacco use.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: PPD is a complex mental health issue shaped by psychosocial interactions rather than individual factors. In primary healthcare, it is important to assess marital relationships, psychiatric history, and social support levels for the early diagnosis and referral of at-risk mothers.

Keywords: Postpartum depression, preventive medicine, primary health care