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

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Abstract
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 2730 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.