Survey of Relation between Some Disposing Factors and Postpartum Depression in Women referring to Medical Health Centers of Tabriz, 2006.

Abstract

Abstract: Background: depression is a debilitating disorder with high prevalence especially in child- bearing women. This study was done to determine relationship between postpartum depression and its various risk factors. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive –analytic study on 600 women referred to health centers. Sampling was done with simple random method. Data were gathered using a questionnaire including 6 parts: demographic characteristics, social supports, mother –newborn characteristics, bio –psychological factors, Rosenberg self –esteem scale, Holms stress scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale. These data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical methods in SPSS 14/Win software. Results: In this study 34.7% of mothers were depressed. Significant factors related to postpartum depression were: household income, desirability of newborns' sex, education, marital satisfaction, support from mother in low, job satisfaction, unplanned pregnancy, preparing to accept infant, disease of newborn, nursing problems, criticizing mother from parent in childhood, and mothers' self –esteem, stress level, social support. Conclusion: Concerning high prevalence of postpartum depression in this study and other similar studies and effects of some factors in this disorder, it seems to be necessary to improve the knowledge of mothers and health care staff about this risk factors for reducing effects of this disorder on physical and psychological health of newborns, mothers and community.