Postpartum Depression in Clients at Health Care Centers in Sari

This study was aimed to determine the prevalence and pertaining contributors of postpartum depression (PD) in clients referring to the Health Care Centers in Sari city, Iran. 422 pregnant women at their third trimester referred to ten antenatal care units from Feb. 2001 to Aug. 2002. Mothers were further followed up 6-8 weeks after childbirth. The data was collec- ted using Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), short form of Spielberger’s State Anxiety Inventory, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and a demographic questionnaire. According to the EPDS the prevalence of PD was 22% (n=92) during 6-8 weeks after de- livery. Also, 30% of the mothers were depressed during the third trimester of pregnancy. Based on the GHQ data analysis, 37% (n=157) and 31% (n=132) of the samples were suspected to have a psychiatric morbidity in the third trimester and 6-8 weeks postpartum, respectively. There was a significant relationship between postpartum depression and stressful life events, family support, baby’s health problems, perceived ability to nurse the baby, and the problems at delivery. The prevalence of depression and psychiatric disorders are higher during pregnancy and decrease postpartum.