Depression in postpartum and non‐postpartum women: prevalence and risk factors

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of depression in postpartum women as compared with non-postpartum women, and to identify risk factors of depression in both groups. METHOD: A population based questionnaire study was performed among women 18-40 years in two municipalities in Norway in 1998-1999. A total of 2,730 women were included, of whom 416 were in the postpartum period. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression was higher in non-postpartum as compared with postpartum women. High scores on the life event scale, a history of depression and a poor relationship to the partner were associated with depression in both postpartum and non-postpartum women. When controlling for the identified risk factors of depression the odds-ratio for depression in the postpartum period was 1.6 (95% CI: 1.0-2.6). CONCLUSION: The risk for depression was increased in the postpartum period, when controlling for the uneven distribution of risk factors.