Comparing the Prevalence of Postpartum Depression in Women Receiving Midwifery Care Support and Those Without in Bandar Abbas

Background and purpose: The postpartum period predisposes women to a variety of mental health problems, one of which is postpartum depression, a common and serious condition affecting 8% to 26% of women worldwide. It is also recognized as a major public health concern. One potential cause of postpartum depression is exposure to stressful events before birth. Evidence suggests that continuous maternal support during labor may help reduce the incidence of this condition. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the prevalence of postpartum depression between women who received continuous support during labor and those who did not in Bandar Abbas in 2016. Materials and methods: In this prospective, descriptive-analytical study, 220 postpartum women were divided into two groups: one receiving continuous support from a doula (including emotional, physical, and informational support) and the other receiving no doula support (routine care). Participants were observed and assessed at the maternity ward of Bandar Abbas Social Security Hospital from August 2016 to January 2017. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), administered eight weeks postpartum. The results were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 20), employing the independent t-test, Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, and two-way logistic regression. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of postpartum depression between the two groups (P<0.001). After adjusting for other variables, a significant association was found between postpartum depression and doula support (P< 0.001, OR= 0.17). The odds of developing postpartum depression were reduced by 83% among mothers who received doula support. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that continuous doula support during labor significantly reduces the risk of postpartum depression.