Factors affecting postpartum depression in Diyarbakır

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the factors affect- ing postpartum depression (PPD) according to age groups in Diyarbak›r city located on the southeastern part of Turkey. Methods: The questions of Edinburgh postpartum depression scale (EPDS) were asked to 495 women who referred to our clinic at their postpartum periods. A separate statistical analysis was carried out for 51 adolescent women (below 18-year-old) and 72 puerperant women over 35-year-old. Score 13 according to EPDS score result was determined as cut-off value. Results: In 101 out of 495 (20.4%) patients, EPDS score was 13 and above. This rate was 27.4% in adolescent puerperant women, and 19.4% in puerperant women over 35-year-old. It was found that depression history was a significant variable affecting postpartum depression (p<0.005). Conclusion: Postpartum depression is a significant disease possible to overlook which affects the health of mother and baby. This is risky especially during adolescent period. Depression history is an important variable in the etiology of postpartum depression. This period can be screened for postpartum depression. The greatest fac- tor limiting postpartum depression in Southeastern Anatolia Region which has the highest reproduction rate in Turkey can be the sup- port provided to the puerperant women by relatives and friends dur- ing puerperal period.