Assessment of some potential risk factors
of postpartum depression

Tashakori A¹, Shanesaz A², Rezapour A³

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Postpartum depression (PPD) has pathological consequences for mother and infant. This study examined some potential risk factors of PPD in Iran.

Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study which included patients attending two health centers at two months postpartum. They were screened for PPD using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The participants were 27.93±5.31 years of age.

Results: The prevalence of positive screening test was 21.4%. Unwanted pregnancy material dissatisfaction, infant gender dissatisfaction, lower socioeconomic status, lower educational level, infant illness and previous depression were significantly higher (p<0.05) among women with high score on the EPDS.

Conclusion: Women with positive test who have risk factors may warrant more detailed assessment program. A brief semi- structured psychiatric interview may be a more accurate assessment tools.

KEY WORDS: Postpartum depression, Risk factors, EPDS.

Pak J Med Sci    April - June 2009    Vol. 25 No. 2    261-264

How to cite this article:

Tashakori A, Shanesaz A, Rezapour A. Assessment of some potential risk factors of postpartum depression. Pak J Med Sci 2009;25(2):261-264.

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1. Tashakori A, MD,
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
2. Shanesaz A, MD,
Psychiatrist
3. Rezapour A, GP,
1-3: Psychiatry Depth,
Golestan Hospital,
Ahwaz Jondishapur University of Medical Sciences,
Ahwaz – Iran.

Correspondence

Dr. Tashakori A,
418, Gelayol Alley,
Ostadan Street,
Jondishapur University of Medical Sciences,
Golestan Avenue,
Postal Code: 6135733118,
Ahwaz – Iran.
E-mail: tashakori_doctor@yahoo.com

* Received for Publication: July 22, 2008

* Revision Received: July 31, 2008

* Final Revision Received: January 20, 2009

* Final Revision Accepted: February 7, 2009

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