Postpartum depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder and resultant risk factors among teenage mothers: a community-based study

Abstract

The prevalence of postpartum depression in teenage mothers is higher than that in adult mothers. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression, distress, and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) following childbirth and its resultant risk factors among teenage mothers. Material and Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 167 teenage women aged 11–19 years, 8-week after giving birth, in Tabriz, Iran. The data were collected using by socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist and Postpartum Distress Measure scale. Results. The study results revealed that 12.6% and 7.2% of the participants had postpartum depression and PTSD, respectively. The results showed that the variables of the number of children, dissatisfaction with marriage, and history of preconception depression were among the risk factors associated with postpartum depression. The results indicated that unwanted pregnancy, lack of spousal support, insufficient income, and infant restlessness variables were predictors of PTSD. Conclusion. Based on our findings, it is crucial to identify teenage mothers with predisposing factors for postpartum depression and PTSD. Providing family planning counseling to reduce unwanted pregnancies, training fathers to support their spouses, and ensuring timely referral of high-risk individuals are essential interventions to address the mental health challenges faced by teenage mothers.