Quality of Life and Related Factors in Women with and Without Postpartum Depression

Abstract Introduction: Postpartum Depression (PPD) is the common psychological problem after child's birth that could affect women's health. The limited studies have assessed the relationship between PPD and quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to determine this relationship in a sample of Iranian population. Materials and Methods: In a longitudinal cohort study, 618 pregnant women referred toMazandaran primary health centers(2015-2016) were recruited to this study via cluster sampling. Data were collected using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF36) during 6-8 weeks ofpostpartum. The mean scores of whole SF36 and all domains of it in two groups of postpartum,i.e., depressed and non- depressed women were compared. Data were analyzed using T-test, ANOVA, person correlation and linear regression. Results: The prevalence of postpartum depression was 22.7%. There was a significant difference between mean scores of whole SF36 of postpartum depressed and non- depressed women (64.65 ,11.59 and 74.42 ,10.77, respectively). Also, depression during pregnancy and postpartum were the predictor factors of women' quality of life (p<001). The mean scores of physical functioning, mental health, social role functioning, physical role functioning, emotional role functioning, vitality and general health perception domains of SF36 in depressed women were lower than that in non-depressed ones(P<0.05).Moreover, the mean score of bodily pain in depressed women was more than the non-depressed counterparts. Conclusion: Due to the high prevalence of postpartum depression and its effect on quality of life during an important period of women’s life, the screening and intervention programs to prevent postpartum depression and education of women on improving their quality of life are suggested. Conflict of interest: non declared