Risk of Postpartum Depression During COVID-19 Outbreak and its Associated Risk Factors

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and related factors following the COVID-19 outbreak among women in Istanbul, Turkey. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2020 to September 2021 in Istanbul Teaching and Research Hospital in Istanbul with 316 women at 4-6 weeks postpartum. We included women who spoke and understood Turkish and were ≥ 18 years of age. We collected the research data online, using an information form, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale. Results: Among 316 women, the risk of PPD was 91 (28.8%). Women aged ≤34 had a low risk of developing PPD (aOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18-0.70). PPD was 5 times significantly higher among women with low-income level (aOR 4.94, 95% CI 2.32-10.51). PPD was 9 times significantly higher among women who had COVID-19 infection (aOR 8.65, 95% CI 4.48-16.68) and 2.3 times significantly higher among women who had fear of catching the COVID-19 virus at the hospital (aOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.23-4.44), and 5 times significantly higher among women with low levels of coronavirus anxiety (aOR 5.01, 95% CI 2.60-9.65). Conclusion: A significant proportion of women have experienced PPD during the COVID-19 pandemic. The higher risk factors for PPD were being older than 34 years, low-income level, infected with COVID-19, fear catching the COVID-19, and having a low level of coronavirus anxiety women.