OBJECTIVE:

To determine the prevalence of postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic and the factors associated with infection.

MATERIALSAND METHODS:

Observational, analytical and cross-sectional study and carried out in patients attended at Hospital Dr. José Eleuterio González from February to May 2021 after 24 to 48 hours of puerperium. The Edinburgh Scale was applied in writing. Positive screening was considered for postpartum depression with a score greater than 10. Two groups were compared: patients with a history of positive COVID-19 test and those without. Patients with chronic degenerative diseases, rheumatic diseases, pregnancy with death or malformations were excluded.

RESULTS:

A total of 116 patients were studied: 56 positive for COVID-19 and 60 with no history of disease. The prevalence of depression was 15%. A history of COVID-19 added 2 positive points to the Edinburgh Scale, although it did not result in a factor associated with depression. Factors associated with a score greater than 10 were: junior high and high school education, and male sex of the newborn. Newborn sex resulted in similar percentages in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

COVID-19 contingency and history of SARS CoV-2 infection showed no association with depression. Higher schooling and male birth were observed in women with Edinburgh Scale score greater than 10.