Factors Of Postpartum Depression Research Articles

A novel tool for risk assessment, screening, diagnosis, assessment, and therapy in postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression (PPD), as a common condition occurring in women in the postnatal period, is underdiagnosed, seldom identified, and infrequently treated. Undiagnosed PPD can have negative consequences for overall quality-of-life outcomes in the mother, psychological growth of the infant, and bonding between the infant and its mother. However, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of PPD can lead to an improvement in postpartum maternal health and a healthier relationship between the mother and her infant. Additionally, early identification of risk factors in the prenatal and antenatal period can enable preventive treatment and ensure that the expectant or pregnant woman remains free of disease after giving birth. Therefore, we propose a protocol for the risk assessment, screening, diagnosis, assessment, and therapy of postnatal depression (RASDAT). The RASDAT protocol recommends assessment of risk factors for PPD in the perinatal period as well as early diagnosis and treatment in the early-to-mid postpartum period. It also recognizes, for the first time, insomnia and anxiety as important predictors, comorbidities, and poor prognostic factors in postpartum depression. Further studies are necessary to determine the feasibility and applicability of this novel tool, including costs of availing health facilities, burden on the health system, and knowledge, attitudes, and practices among physicians and clinical pharmacists regarding PPD and its resolution.

Clinical correlation and prognostic value of xanthine and inflammatory factors in postpartum depression

Clinical correlation and prognostic value of xanthine and inflammatory factors in postpartum depression

Risk Factors in Postpartum Depression Among Women from South-East of Romania: Importance of Early Diagnosis

Risk Factors in Postpartum Depression Among Women from South-East of Romania: Importance of Early Diagnosis

Postpartum depression: From the happiness of having a child to the pain of not being able to take care of it

Introduction: Postpartum Depression (PPD) is considered to be a mental disorder. During pregnancy, women go through many changes in their lives, both emotional and physical, which are often not noticed by their support network and due to a lack of knowledge, making diagnosis very difficult. PPD affects around 15% to 20% of puerperal women who experience a number of alterations, such as a lack of family support, violence, mistimed pregnancies, low income, etc. Objective: To demonstrate the risk and protective factors in PPD through a literature review and to present issues pertinent to PPD through a literature review. Methodology: This research is a literature review. Results and conclusions: The results indicate that the protective factors include primary care, which helps prevent the disease, as well as a multidisciplinary team, family support, especially from the partner, and an understanding of what PPD is. The risk factors are many, ranging from anxiety, previous depression, low income and lack of support, among others. It can therefore be concluded that PPD is a serious but occasional mental disorder that affects women during the puerperium. However, it is a disease with a positive prognosis as long as treatment is carried out properly, with the support of a multidisciplinary team, social and family support.

Prevalence and Factors of Postpartum Depression During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-022-04181-w.

A Review on Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in India and Its Management.

Postpartum depression is the term used for depression that predominates in the postpartum period, which is increasingly seen in research and clinical practice up to 1 year after delivery. Other symptoms commonly seen in women with postpartum depression include mood swings or lability and excessive worry about the baby. In addition, postpartum depression is often associated with anxiety disorders or significant anxiety symptoms. Women with a history of psychiatric illness are prone to postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a crucial psychological health ailment that confers a vast degree of disability in females and is often associated with significant emotional, behavioral, and cognitive dangers in children. It is a disorder that is often unrecognized and undertreated. Postpartum depression is a critical issue to be addressed because it interferes with a woman’s self-care and parenting. It also affects a child’s mental growth and development. For these reasons, evaluation of risk factors is required to consider every facet of postpartum depression in women. This article reviews the associated risk factors and management of postpartum depression in India. Traditional studies for risk factors in postpartum depression have typically categorized women according to a particular stage of pregnancy that follows them into postpartum depression. Pregnancy-associated risk factors are estimated during pregnancy and are looked up for their predictive association with postpartum depression defined by clinical diagnostic methods or self-report assessment. Treatment options include psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. The risk of postpartum depression in fathers also follows maternal postpartum depression. Paternal depressive disorder is associated with adverse effects on child development. Early intervention for postpartum depression and anxiety may decrease the severity and recurrence of symptoms as well as the negative effects on the baby's health and development.

Body Image Dissatisfaction as a Risk Factor for Postpartum Depression.

Background and Objectives: Pregnancy and postpartum are periods that imply numerous physical and psychological changes that could lead to mental health consequences. The aim of the present study is to identify whether women who had body image dissatisfaction had a higher incidence of postpartum depression 6 months after birth than women who did not have body image dissatisfaction. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed with a sample of 450 women from two hospitals in Andalusia. Quantitative variables were age and scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) for body image dissatisfaction. The qualitative variables used were marital status, self-perceived health status, diet or physical exercise, type of delivery, and others. Results: Body dissatisfaction was positively correlated with the symptomatology of postpartum depression. Thus, for each point increased in body dissatisfaction, the occurrence of depression also increased. There was a relationship between the study variables, so women who were more dissatisfied with their body image were more frequently depressed. Conclusions: In conclusion, it can be established that postpartum depression seems to be related to the presence of poor body image.

Magnitude and Determinant Factors of Postpartum Depression Among Mothers Attending Their Postnatal and Vaccination Services at Public Health Institutions of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BackgroundThe postpartum period is known as a high-risk period for the onset of different maternal mental health problems. Globally, 10–20% of postnatal mothers suffer from depressive symptoms. This study aimed to assess the magnitude and determinant factors of postpartum depression among mothers attending their postnatal and vaccination services at public health institutions in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodologyHealth institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 461 postnatal mothers attending public health institutions in Addis Ababa from 15 May 2021 to 15 July 2021. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select the public health institutions and a systematic random sampling method was used to get selected, postnatal mothers. Epidata version 3.1 and SPSS version 25 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. P-value ≤ 0.05 was used as a cut point of statistical significance in multivariable binary logistic regression.ResultsFrom total postnatal mothers 91(19.7%) of them had postpartum depression. Occupational status [AOR = 3.39, 95% CI: 1.04, 8.15], marital status [AOR = 2.69, 95% CI =1.33, 5.45], income management [AOR = 3.76, 95% CI: 1.53, 8.21], sex of baby [AOR = 5.07, 95% CI: 1.24, 20.69], history of child death [AOR = 6.93, 95% CI: 2.67, 15.79], unplanned pregnancy [AOR = 3.08, 95% CI: 1.65, 7.93], negative life event [AOR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.03, 5.39], substance use during pregnancy [AOR = 6.23, 95% CI: 2.72, 20.05], history of depression [AOR = 5.08, 95% CI: 1.79, 14.39], and marriage satisfaction [AOR = 6.37, 95% CI: 2.63, 14.29] were determinant factors of postpartum depression.ConclusionThe prevalence of postpartum depression in this study is high compared to national findings. Occupational status, marital status, income management, sex of baby, history of child death, unplanned pregnancy, negative life event, substance use during pregnancy, history of depression, and marital satisfaction were determinant factors of postpartum depression. The ministry of health should integrate mental health services with existing maternal health care services. It would be better if all healthcare professionals working in the maternal and child health unit will routinely screen postpartum depressive symptoms and link them to mental health services.

A quantitative comparison of two measures of postpartum depression

BackgroundStudies investigating the prevalence and risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD) have used different definitions. Some studies have used a high score on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to define PPD, whereas others have used information on antidepressant medication use and/or diagnostic information on treatment for depression at a psychiatric hospital. We wanted to compare results using these two approaches to evaluate to what degree results can be compared. Moreover we wanted to evaluate, whether use of EPDS or PPAT (defined below) leads to identification of different risk factor profiles.MethodsWe identified women who delivered a child between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016 in Copenhagen or in one of the municipalities that were part of the Danish Health Visitors’ Child Health Database. The potential risk factors were demographic factors and pregnancy- and obstetrical events. Outcomes of interest were an EPDS score ≥ 13, use of antidepressants (ATC: N06A) and/or a diagnosis of depression (F32) within six months after birth. Use of antidepressants and/or diagnosis of depression will be referred to as postpartum antidepressant treatment (PPAT). Agreement between EPDS ≥ 13 and PPAT was evaluated by the kappa coefficient. Associations between risk factors and the two outcomes (EPDS ≥ 13 and PPAT) were estimated by risk ratios (RR) using log-linear binomial regression. Presence of a systematic difference between RRs based on EPDS ≥ 13 (RREPDS≥13) and PPAT (RRPPAT) was evaluated in a meta-regression approach weighted by inverse-variance and with logarithm of the RRs as outcome.ResultsThe estimated PPD prevalence using EPDS ≥ 13 was 3.2% and of PPAT 0.4%. The agreement between the two measures was small (Kappa = 0.08), but their risk factor profile was very similar with no systematic difference between them.ConclusionsUsing the two different methods of case identification produced different prevalence estimates, but a similar risk factor profile. The differences in estimated prevalence and low agreement suggest that the two measures identify different potential PPD cases and using only one of the methods in defining PPD would underestimate PPD prevalence. The similar risk factor profile suggests that the considered risk factors are involved in the general development of PPD.

Prevalence of Postpartum Depression, Associated Factors, Social Support, and Professional Assistance: A Cross-Sectional Study in Port Said, Egypt

INTRODUCTIONPostpartum depression is a mental illness that affects post-childbirth mothers. It is associated with psychological and social risk factors such as negative childhood experiences and pregnancy and childbirth problems. Postpartum depression has not been a focus of concern in Egypt. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prevalence of postpartum depression, its associated factors, social support, and professional assistance in Port Said, Egypt.METHODOLOGYA random sampling strategy was used to select 540 women ten weeks postpartum. Data were collected using a questionnaire during an interview to identify potential risk factors for postpartum depression. The modified Arabic version of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale was used to assess symptoms of postpartum depression which is a multidimensional measure of social communication. Statistical analysis was completed using SPSS 25.0. software.RESULTSIt was found that 24.4% of women were at risk for postpartum depression. Social support from family and friends was significantly associated with mitigation of postpartum depression.CONCLUSIONThis study affirmed postpartum depression was a common health problem among 540 women who gave birth in Port Said, Egypt. Early detection and efficient screening methods to detect postpartum depression should be applied, especially in areas with a high risk for this condition. Early detection may prevent complications for mothers, babies, and families.

Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression During COVID-19

Many social problems have been highlighted by COVID-19. The perinatal mental health of pregnant women is closely related to the newborn's health and the stability and harmony of family. However, there are few studies on postpartum depression in China. In this study, single-factor analysis and multivariate logistics regression analysis will be used to explore the high-risk factors of postpartum depression in COVID-19.From October 2020 to February 2021, the basic information of 388 puerperas from two cities in central and Northwest China, Xinxiang and Xi'an, were collected, including occupation, age, education, religious belief, nationality, partner companion time during pregnancy, major life-influenced events in the past six months, cognition of COVID-19, and gender and health of the newborn. Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was used for psychological evaluation. SPSS 13.0 was used for univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. According to the Edinburgh Depression Scale, 45 cases were classified into the depression group (score 13), and 343 cases were classified into the normal group (score < 13).The statistical results of general and clinical data showed that there was no significant correlation between occupation, nationality, weekly accompanying time, or age and postpartum depression (P > 0.05). In logistic multivariate regression analysis, the risk of postpartum depression in pregnant women with neonatal diseases was about 2.23 times higher than that of healthy pregnant women (OR = 2.233). When pregnant women believed that COVID-19 had a negative impact on the health of their newborns, their risk of postpartum depression was 3.31 times higher than that of perinatal women who did not(OR=3.314). This study explored the risk factors of postpartum depression in COVID-19, hoping to provide a method for prevention and treatment.

Prevalence of Postpartum Depression and Related Factors among Mothers of Low Birth Weight Infants

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common psychological disorder associated with childbirth. Over time, it can cause stress and mental problems, leading to a low quality of life and risk of malnutrition in their babies. Nonetheless, limited data are available on the prevalence and related factors of PPD among mothers of low birth weight (LBW) infants. Objective: To study the prevalence of PPD and related factors in mothers of infants with LBW. Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive cross-sectional design. It was conducted at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital (BAH) between June 2019 and September 2020. Participants were the immediate parturients admitted and delivering LBW babies. Demographic data were collected before the participants were discharged from the hospital. At four to eight weeks after delivery, participants were interviewed to complete three self-reported questionnaires, including the parenting data, the Thai version of Edinburgh Postprtum Depression Scale (Thai-EPDS), and the Revised-Thai version of the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (r-T-MSPSS). The infants’ data were collected from the medical records by the researcher. Results: Two hundred sixty-seven from 398 participants were enrolled into the present study. The average age of participants, infants’ gestational age, and birth weight in the present study were 27.8 years, 36⁺⁵ weeks, and 2,281 grams, respectively. The prevalence of PPD among mothers of LBW infants in the present study was 22.5%. The factors significantly associated with PPD included both maternal factors such as educational level less than bachelor’s degree, marital conflict, history of depression, unplanned pregnancy, non-breastfeeding, and low social support, and infant factors such as hospital stay more than three days, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and neonatal health problems. Conclusion: The prevalence of PPD among mothers of LBW infants was 22.5%. Educational level less than bachelor’s degree, marital conflict, history of depression, unplanned pregnancy, non-breastfeeding, low social support, hospital stay of infant more than three days, NICU admission, and neonatal health problems were associated factors of PPD. Keywords: Thai version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; Low birth weight infants; Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression and postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder: prevalence and associated factors

BackgroundDespite the increased global interest from researchers in postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD), studies of PPD in China have shown a wide range of variability. Indeed, the prevalence and risk factors for PP-PTSD have received little attention in China.AimTo determine the prevalence of PPD and PP-PTSD in China, and to examine the relationships between a range of sociodemographic, pregnancy-related, and newborn-related variables, and PPD and PP-PTSD.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 1136 women who returned to the obstetrics clinic for routine postpartum examination were enrolled. The sociodemographic, pregnancy-related, and newborn-related characteristics were collected. Social support, and PPD and PP-PTSD symptoms were measured by the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Perinatal Post-traumatic Stress Questionnaire (PPQ).ResultsThe prevalence rates of PPD and PP-PTSD symptoms were 23.5 and 6.1%, respectively. A multivariate model showed that the presence of PP-PTSD was the strongest risk factor for PPD symptoms and vice versa. Other risk factors for PPD included low sleep quality, low social support and newborn’s incubator admission. In terms of PP-PTSD symptoms, risk factors included the presence of PPD symptoms, non-Han ethnicity, and low social support, while having one child was a protective factor.ConclusionsThis study addressed some gaps in the literature and provided a better understanding of PPD and PP-PTSD in China, which may contribute to early detection and intervention. Attention should be paid to women who are most susceptible to PPD and/or PP-PTSD, including those with low social support, low sleep quality, newborn’s incubator admission, non-Han ethnicity, and women with siblings.

A retrospective audit of pain assessment and management post-caesarean section at New Somerset Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa

BackgroundThe most common major surgical procedure performed worldwide is the caesarean section (CS). Effective pain management is a priority for women undergoing this procedure, to reduce the incidence of persistent pain (a risk factor for postpartum depression), as well as optimise maternal-neonatal bonding and the successful establishment of breastfeeding. Multimodal analgesia is the gold standard for post-CS analgesia. At present, no perioperative pain management protocols could be identified for the management of patients presenting for CS at regional hospitals in South Africa. This audit aimed to review the folders of patients who underwent CS, with particular reference to perioperative pain management guidelines for CS.MethodsA descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional audit was conducted. Three hundred folders (10% of the annual number of caesarean procedures performed) from New Somerset Hospital, a regional hospital in Cape Town, South Africa were reviewed.ResultsThe women were a mean age of 30 years (standard deviation [s.d.]: 6.2). Median gravidity was 3 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2–3) and parity was 1 (IQR: 1–2); 52% had previously undergone a CS. In 93.3% cases, spinal anaesthesia was employed for CS. Pain assessment was poor, with only 55 (18%) patients having their pain assessed on the day of the operation. Analgesia was prescribed in over 98% of the patients, however, medication was only administered as prescribed in 32.6%. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were prescribed in < 5% of cases. None of the patients received a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, or wound infusion catheter as supplementary strategies.ConclusionPain management for post-CS patient at this hospital is lacking. There is the need for the implementation of a structured assessment tool to improve administration of analgesics in these patients. In addition, the reasons for the omission of NSAIDs from the analgesia regimen requires investigation. Hospital requires post-CS pain protocols to guide management especially in resource-limited settings.

Response to Letter to the Editor Regarding Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression in Active Duty Women.

Response to Letter to the Editor Regarding Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression in Active Duty Women.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Postpartum Depression in Primary Healthcare Centres in Yangon, Myanmar.

BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) can have serious consequences on both the mother and infant. Despite the higher prevalence, there are limited numbers of studies on PPD in low-and middle-income countries, like Myanmar. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and associated factors of PPD in primary healthcare settings in Myanmar.MethodsThis cross-sectional online study was conducted with 220 mothers under 6 months postpartum in April–May 2020 and who registered in public health centres in Kungyangone Township, Yangon, Myanmar. The postpartum depression was measured with the Edinburgh postpartum depression scale (EPDS, ≥ 13 scores). Independent variables included sociodemographic factors, obstetric and infant factors, psychosocial factors (social support and social media usage), health services utilisation and accessibility factors. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression were performed.ResultsOverall prevalence of depressive symptoms in 220 women under 6 months postpartum was 31.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 25.9, 37.3). In multiple logistic regression, unplanned pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.946), less than four times antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR: 2.518), travel time more than 1 h to reach health centres (AOR: 3.068) and birth interval more than 5 years (AOR: 4.594) were more likely to be associated with PPD, while preterm delivery (AOR: 0.091) was inversely associated.ConclusionThis study showed the relatively high prevalence of PPD and the strong association with preterm delivery, pregnancy intention, breastfeeding status, birth interval as well as frequency of ANC received and travel time to health centre. It may suggest that maternal mental health services should be integrated with existing maternal and child health (MCH) services for early detection and prevention of depression symptoms with promotion of MCH services utilisation and improved accessibility among mothers in primary healthcare setting.

The Prevalence of Postpartum Depression and Identification of Its Risk Factors in South Western of Iran in 2019-2020

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major cause of burden of diseases in women within the first 4 weeks of delivery. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the role of various factors in PPD in the northern and northeastern regions of Khuzestan province. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was undertaken as the first phase of a case-control study on 1424 mothers in the first 24 to 48 hours after childbirth between January 2019 and January 2020. The data collected covered three areas: baseline characteristics, medical history, and PPD. The latter was measured using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale with a cut-off point of equal to or greater than 12. The collected data were analyzed using Stata-16 software and simple and multiple Logistic Regression models. Results: The prevalence of PPD was estimated at 26.6% in the study sample. In the multiple model, the History of elective abortion (OR= 2.26, 95%CI=1.19, 4.27), delivery in the summer (OR= 2.11,95%CI=1.39, 3.20), birth defect (OR= 2.09, 95%CI=1.10, 3.94), the history of infertility treatment (OR= 0.33, 95CI=0.18, 0.61) and living in urban areas (OR= 0.52, 95%CI=0.39, 0.70), had relationship with the chance of developing PPD. Conclusion: The results of this study, which sought to identify factors reinforcing and preventing PPD, can be used to identify mothers at risk for PPD. Moreover, it can help make appropriate interventions, including psychological and emotional support of mother during and even before pregnancy to alleviate PPD.

Identification of Components related to Mother-Infant Relationship to Prevent Postpartum Depression: A Qualitative Study

Background: Postpartum depression is the most common psychological complication after childbirth. The mother-infant relationship and its challenges are one of the most critical risk factors of postpartum depression. Given the importance of attachment theory in explaining the mother-infant relationship, the present study aimed to identify the components related to mother-infant relationship in order to prevent postpartum depression. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, based on the qualitative method and inductive content analysis approach, individual interviews were conducted with four groups of pregnant mothers (n=6), mothers with infants (n=5), pediatricians (n​​=3), and psychologists (n=3). The data were coded and extracted. During the second stage, the relevant literature in the field of attachment was reviewed using desk research, whereby the components were extracted. Finally, based on the findings of these two stages, themes related to the mother-infant relationship were identified. Results: The most important overlapping themes obtained from the two stages of the study included attachment to the fetus, anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum, child care, reception of support, and the impact of the relationship with parents which were identified as the main themes related with the mother-infant relationship. Conclusion: Considering the importance of mother-infant relationship as a postpartum depression risk factor, the present study strived to identify the main components of this relationship from the perspective of research literature, along with a qualitative study, to identify the real needs of mothers to be used as a basis for subsequent interventions.

Prevalence and associated factors of postpartum depression among postpartum mothers in central region, Eritrea: a health facility based survey

BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that occurs within the first 12 months after delivery. It affects 20 to 40% of women living in the low-income countries. In resource limited countries discovering the predictors of PPD is important as it allows close follow-up and targeted screening of at risk mothers. The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and predictors of PPD among recently delivered mothers in Central Region of Eritrea.MethodsThis study used analytical cross-sectional study design to evaluate the magnitude of and factors associated with postpartum depression among 380 randomly selected mothers. The study was conducted in four primary health care facilities of Zoba Maekel (Central Region), Eritrea. A structured closed-ended questionnaire was used to capture the socio-demographic and maternity related information of the study participants. The standard Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition was used to assess depression. The dependent variable for this study was status of the mother with regard to PPD. The socio-demographic and maternity related variables of the mothers, presumed to influence the likelihood of developing postpartum depression, were the independent variables.ResultsIn this study the prevalence of PPD was found to be 7.4%. Mother’s who are housewives were less likely to develop PPD (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.06–0.97; p = 0.046), whereas, mothers with perceived low economic status (AOR = 13.33, 95% CI: 2.66–66.78; p = 0.002), lack of partner support (AOR = 5.8, 95% CI: 1.33–25.29; p = 0.019), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 3.39, 95% CI: 1.24–9.28; p = 0.017), maternal illness after delivery (AOR = 7.42, 95% CI: 1.44–34.2; p = 0.016), and reside in Southwest-Asmara (AOR = 6.35, 95% CI: 1.73–23.23; p = 0.05) had statistically significant higher odds of postpartum depression.ConclusionsIn the current study setting, factors that associated with PPD are grouped in to two domains; the woman’s potential to bear the forthcoming responsibility and the social support they get after delivery. The findings of this study imply the need to introduce an active screening program for PPD the health facilities as part of the postpartum care.

Is there a relationship between gestational diabetes and postpartum depression?

Background: The relationship between gestational diabetes and postpartum depression (PPD) is poorly understood and seldom studied. Objective: In an effort to explore this issue, the present study investigated the relationship between gestational diabetes and PPD. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was performed with 342 women who were referred to four urban health centers of Hamadan city, west of Iran. We used convenience sampling as a method to recruit women in each health center. We used a researcher-made checklist for gathering data on socio-demographic characteristics and potential risk factors of PPD. The Persian validated version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess PPD. Univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression was applied to estimate the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]). Results: Gestational diabetes was identified as the most important risk factor for PPD with OR (95% CI) of 2.19 (1.11, 4.31); P-value=0.02 after adjusting for other variables. Moreover, the adjusted odds ratio showed that PPD among lesseducated women (primary school) was 3.5 times higher compared to women with a university education (OR=3.54, 95% CI: 1.27, 9.84; P-value=0.01). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that PPD is more likely among women with gestational diabetes and those who were less educated. Interventional and educational activities for reducing the risk of PPD can be targeted for use with this population.