HEMOGLOBIN, BODY MASS INDEX, AND POSTPARTUM BLUES BASED ON EPDS SCORES: A CLINICAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Postpartum blues was a common mental health issue experienced by mothers after childbirth, characterized by mood swings, feelings of sadness, and depressive symptoms. This study analyzes the influence of hemoglobin (Hb) levels and body mass index (BMI) on the risk of postpartum blues in postpartum mothers. If this condition is not recognized and addressed, it can develop into more severe postpartum depression. This observational quantitative study was conducted at BPM Ida Susila Lamongan. The population in this study consists of all postpartum mothers who come for a check-up 1–2 weeks after delivery. The sample consists of 30 individuals selected using a purposive sampling technique. Inclusion criteria include postpartum mothers with a term pregnancy (≥37 weeks), spontaneous delivery, no history of mental disorders, and willingness to participate as respondents. Exclusion criteria include mothers who are currently using psychotropic drugs or have severe medical complications. Data were collected through the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) questionnaire and patient medical records, including Hb levels and BMI. Results: Pearson correlation showed a strong negative relationship between Hb levels and EPDS scores (r = -0.781, p < 0.05). Linear regression indicated that Hb and BMI significantly affect EPDS scores, with Hb having a greater influence. Pearson correlation between BMI and EPDS showed a moderate positive relationship (r = 0.573, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Low Hb levels and high BMI are risk factors for postpartum blues. This study emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy Hb and BMI levels to prevent postpartum blues.