Prevalence and correlates of postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in Vietnam

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health issue that negatively impacts maternal well-being and infant development. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated depression risk among postpartum women due to added stressors from the crisis. This study aimed to assess PPD prevalence during the pandemic and identify associated factors. The study was conducted at Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from May 2023 to December 2023. This cross-sectional study selected 223 postpartum women via convenience sampling. Data collection utilized online surveys and phone interviews. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) gauged depression levels, analyzed using Stata 16.0. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression explored relationships between PPD and contributing factors. Among participants, 22.0% scored 9-11 on EPDS, indicating mild depression; 5.8% were high-risk (EPDS 12-13), and 8.5% had PPD (EPDS > 14). The study identified links between PPD and poor sleep, COVID-19 anxiety, and limited social support. PPD remains a critical concern during COVID-19, with factors like sleep quality, pandemic-related anxiety, and social support influencing depression risk. Early screening and psychological interventions are crucial to mitigate PPD's impact on maternal and infant health post-pandemic.