Postpartum Depression in a Public Hospital in Cyprus. Prevalence, Risk Factors

Abstract

Introduction

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition. Untreated PPD places the mother and infant at risk and is associated with significant long-term effects on child development and behavior.

Objectives

Appropriate screening for and prompt recognition and treatment of depression after the birth of a child are essential for maternal and child well-being.

Aims

The purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of PPD in the first 5 days after the birth of a neonate and to investigate associations with several risk factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 mothers, in a public obstetric hospital in Nicosia, Cyprus. A questionnaire was administered including socio-demographic characteristics. The Greek version of the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS), a 10–item questionnaire to identifying women who are at risk of PPD, was used to estimate depression among the participants.

Results

According to EPDS, 42% of the mothers screened positive for risk of developing PPD. Higher risk was observed in very young mothers (<20 years) (66.6% vs 15%), in women with history of psychological disorders (86.95% vs 33.85%), in single mothers (71.69% vs 22.8%), in women with serious problems during the pregnancy (74% vs 23.95%) and in mothers with not healthy neonate (75.7% vs 32.4%).

Conclusion

The study reveals a high prevalence of PPD and identifies various risk factors associated with developing PPD. The use of maternal depression screening programs such as the EPDS may help to recognize an elevated risk of postpartum depression and to ensure a healthier mother-child relationship.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.