Evaluation of Postpartum Depression Risk Conditions of Pregnant Women Giving Birth During COVID-19 Pandemic

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the risk conditions for postpartum depression in mothers who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify the factors influencing these conditions. Methods: A total of 642 mothers who gave birth between March 10 and May 15, 2020, were included. Data were collected through phone interviews using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Participants were categorized into risky and non-risky groups based on their Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores. Statistical analyses, including student-t tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and Pearson/Spearman correlation analyses, were performed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: The mean age of participants was 29.93±5.03 years. The prevalence of postpartum depression risk was 14.5%. Statistically significant correlations were found between Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores and factors such as educational background, history of mental illness in the family or self, birth week, delivery method, and postpartum follow-up attendance. High-risk factors included higher education, employment, higher income, cesarean section delivery, preterm birth, and feelings of inadequacy in baby care. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk of postpartum depression. Early diagnosis and initiating treatment in mothers prone to postpartum depression can minimize negative outcomes. Identifying risk factors facilitates close follow-up and targeted preventive measures, underscoring the critical role of comprehensive care approaches in family medicine, especially during global health crises. Keywords: anxiety, pandemics, postpartum depression, pregnancy, Sars-Cov-2