Incidence of postpartum mood disorders depending on selected risk factors – a logistic regression model

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the severity of mood disorders in women in the first and sixth week postpartum and to determine the incidence of baby blues depending on selected risk factors. Material and methods. 285 postpartum women were enrolled in the study. The research project was divided into two stages (first and sixth week postpartum). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess the severity of mood disorders. The indicator of the presence of disorders was set at ≥ 12 points on the 30-point EPDS scale. In order to determine the impact of selected independent variables on the dichotomous dependent variable (baby blues), a logistic regression model was used based on the formula. Results. In the first week postpartum, baby blues was found in 23.2% of the postpartum women. The risk for postnatal depression after six weeks postpartum was determined in 17.3% of the women. The odds ratio for baby blues correlated with: unfavorable financial situation of the women (OR=2.56), a family history of mental disorders (OR=3.87), and dissatisfaction with medical care received during childbirth (OR=5.24).  Conclusions Cases of baby blues were determined in every fourth woman from the sample group. The risk for postnatal depression was found in 17.3% of women after six weeks postpartum. The odds ratio for baby blues was affected by the following statistically significant factors: unfavorable financial situation of the women, genetic predispositions and dissatisfaction with perinatal medical care.