OBJECTIVE:

To estimate the prevalence of postpartum depression and associated factors in users of the Hospital General Progreso, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Prospective, observational, cross-sectional case series study. The instrument to measure depression was a questionnaire that included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). In addition, patients were asked about their sociodemographic data, prenatal control history, obstetric history, delivery care and other data related to their partner. Factors associated with postpartum depression were estimated by bivariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS:

We analyzed 485 patients with a mean age of 24.6 years and cut-offs of 14 and 43 years. The prevalence of postpartum depression was 16%. In the final multivariate analysis model, the factors associated with postpartum depression were: delivery complications (CI95%:1.61-6.54), history of alcoholism before pregnancy (CI95%:1.17- 3.30) and receiving emotional support from husband during pregnancy (CI95%: 0.17-0.68).

CONCLUSIONS:

A history of alcoholic beverage consumption prior to pregnancy and having some complication of childbirth were indicative of possible occurrence of postpartum depression. Those who suffered from it had early referral to psychology services. The couple should be informed that their emotional support helps to reduce the risk of postpartum depression in the patient.

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