Trends and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depressive Symptoms in Indonesian Women

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health concern due to its high prevalence and detrimental effects on maternal and infant well-being. The severity and prevalence of PPD symptoms may vary across different postpartum periods.

Objective: This study aimed to compare postpartum depressive symptoms between the 7th and 40th days after delivery and to identify factors associated with changes in depressive symptom scores over time.

Methods: A prospective study with repeated measures was conducted among 124 postpartum women recruited through convenience sampling at primary healthcare centers in West Java, Indonesia, in 2018. Data were collected on demographic characteristics and depressive symptoms using the validated Indonesian version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and linear fixed-effects modeling.

Results: The prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms was 33.9% on the 7th day and 30.6% on the 40th day postpartum. Significant predictors of depressive symptoms over time included younger maternal age, delivery complications, multiparity, presence of the mother as a primary postpartum caregiver, and breastfeeding practices.

Conclusion: Depressive symptoms slightly declined from the 7th to the 40th day postpartum. Younger age and delivery complications were associated with increased symptom severity, whereas multiparity, maternal support, and breastfeeding were protective factors. These findings underscore the need for early screening and targeted support strategies in the early postpartum period.