Prevalence and Screening of Determinants of Depression Disorder during Pregnancy and after Childbirth; Case-Control Study

Background and Objectives: Depression disorder during pregnancy and after childbirth is one of the mental illnesses that has adverse effects on maternal and neonatal health, especially infant growth and development. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors affecting depression disorder during pregnancy and after childbirth in Azarshahr in 2017-2018.

Material and Methods: In this case-control study, all pregnant women with depression and the total number of women with postpartum depression in Azarshahr were considered as the case group. For the control group, 150 pregnant and delivered mothers were selected by systematic random sampling from Apple system. Statistical calculations were performed by using SPSS software version 16. Logistic regression test was used to compare the data in the case and control groups.

Results: The prevalence of depression during pregnancy was 4.15% and the prevalence of postpartum depression disorder was 2.14%. There was a significant relationship between postpartum depression disorder and postpartum depression disorder with age, body mass index, spouse's job, number of previous children, number of previous daughters, household income, having a smoker husband, mother's daily physical activity and history of abortion.

Conclusion: The prevalence of depression disorder during pregnancy in Azarshahr is higher than the provincial average. So, providing screening, diagnosis, treatment and support services for depression disorder in pregnant women in this city is essential. Considering the factors, high-risk mothers can be identified, and these services can be tailored for the high-risk group.