The Prevalence of Postpartum Depression and Factors Predicting Depression in Postpartum Mothers

Abstract

This research was a correlational research. The purposes of this study was to determine the prevalence of postpartum depression and the factors predicting postpartum depression in postpartum mothers. The samples were composed of 143 postpartum mothers who came to postpartum clinic in 6 weeks The Outpatient Department - Obstetrics and Gynecology in Taksin Hospital, Medical Service Department, Bangkok Metropolitan during June-August 2017. Data were collected by using postpartum depression assessment, prenatal anxiety assessment, self-esteem assessment questionnaire, infant illness questionnaire and social support questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the prevalence rates of postpartum depression, Pearson’s product moment correlation and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the prevalence for postpartum depression was 18.8%. The factors that significantly predicted postpartum depression in postpartum mothers were prenatal anxiety (β=0.436, p<0.01) and social support. (β=-0.334, p<0.01). Prenatal anxiety and Social support could explain 31.3% (R2 = 0.313) variance of postpartum depression in postpartum mothers.

In conclusion, the research finding indicated prenatal anxiety and social support as factors influencing postnatal depression in postpartum mothers. Therefore, it should be in The care plan or guidelines for postpartum mothers. in order to prevent depression in postpartum mothers.