Postpartum Depression and its Correlates among Women Living in Zabol (Iran)

Objectivet: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression among women living in Zabol, a city in South-East of Iran.
Method: 2 to 8 weeks after delivery, 408 women were assessed for depression and some of its risk factors.
Results: The prevalence of postpartum depression was (40.4 %). Risk factors for the onset of post-partum depression included younger age, low income families, unemployment, history of depression, lack of family support, formula feeding, relationship difficulties with spouse, parents or parents-in-law. Type of delivery, number of pregnancy, number of delivery, satisfaction with sex of the baby, and number of children, were not associated with occurrence of PPD.
Conclusion: Depression occurs frequently after childbirth. The findings have implications for policies concerning maternal and childcare programs.