Study on incidence and risk factors associated with postpartum depression in rural and nursing intervention measures

Abstract

Objective To investigate the factors affecting rural women suffering from postpartum depression in order to provide scientific basis for rational intervention. Methods 368 rural pierperas whose deliveries were in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University were surveyed by trained professional nurses with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale from May 1, 2013 to April 30, 2014. The data were processed by chi square test and unconditional logistic regression analysis to find the independent risk factors associated with postpartum depression. Results There were 347 valid questionnaires. The incidence of depression after delivery was 25.1% (87/347). Logistic regression analysis showed that the low income family [OR=1.982 (1.238-2.562)], the inconformity of actual and expected baby gender [OR=0.465 (0.183-0.759)] and the mother-in-law as caregiver of pierpera [OR=2.459 (1.950-2.913)] were independent risk factors for postpartum depression of rural women, three of them are significant statistically, P <0.05. Conclusions Understanding the risk factors for postpartum depression and being targeted to guide individually can reduce the incidence of postpartum depression. Key words: Depression, postpartum; Risk factors; Nursing care