Obstetric risk factors for depression during the postpartum period in South Korea: a nationwide study

- Women with postpartum depression do not seek treatment immediately.
- Obstetric complications and comorbidity during pregnancy increase depression prevalence rate.
- Previous depression is the strongest risk factor in our study.

ObjectivePostpartum depression is related to many adverse effects in both mothers and their children; therefore, proper screening and early interventions are needed. This study aims to identify the risk factors of postpartum depression. Our primary focus is on obstetric risk factors.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional study which we extracted the data of women who gave birth between January 1st, 2010 and December 31st, 2012 from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment service (HIRA) database. We analyzed the data using multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsA total of 17,483 (1.4%) women suffered from depression during the postpartum period. Younger (< 20 years) and advanced maternal age (≥ 35 years), primiparity, previous depression, peripartum hysterectomy, uterine artery embolization, preterm delivery, placental abruption, cesarean delivery, induced labor, and preeclampsia were found to increase the likelihood of having depression after delivery.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that there are several risk factors that lead women to postpartum depression. Therefore, early detection and well-management of the symptoms and risk factors for postpartum depression along with social support can help both physical and psychological conditions of women after childbirth.