Prevalence, Perception and Factors Associated with Postpartum Depressive Symptoms Among Mothers in a Tertiary Hospital, Surat Thani Province, Thailand
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Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to examine the prevalence of a high EPDS score (screening-positive postpartum depressive symptoms) and perceptions of postpartum depression (PPD), as well as associated factors within the first 72 hours after delivery.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Suratthani Hospital in Thailand. Using simple random sampling, 420 postpartum women were assessed within the first 72 hours after delivery between May and August of 2025. Participants completed a self-administered structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic, obstetric, and partner characteristics. Participants’ perceptions postpartum were measured by the Postpartum Depression Literacy Scale (PoDLiS). Depressive symptoms were screened using the Thai Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), within which, a total score ≥11 defined a high EPDS score. Variables significant in bivariable analyses were entered into multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Crude odds ratios (ORs) are reported for bivariable (unadjusted) analyses, and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported for multivariable logistic regression.
Results: The prevalence of a high EPDS score within the first 72 hours after delivery was 14.5%. In multivariable analysis, unintended pregnancy (aOR 1.92,95% CI 1.10–3.36), antenatal anxiety (aOR 3.05, 95% CI 1.70–5.49), and household income ≤15,000 THB/month (aOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.09–3.71) were independently associated with a high EPDS score. In bivariable (unadjusted) analysis, High risk perception during pregnancy was associated with a high EPDS score (OR 7.84, 95% CI 2.12–29.01; p=0.001), whereas moderate risk perception showed no significant difference versus low (OR 2.55, 95% CI 0.76–8.53; p=0.171). Obstetric and neonatal characteristics including mode of delivery, birthweight, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission, and pregnancy complications were not significantly associated with a high EPDS score.
Conclusion: The prevalence of high PPD scores was 14.5%. Unintended pregnancy, antenatal anxiety, and household income signaled higher risk, supporting targeted screening in Antenatal Care (ANC) and repeat screening at 4–6 weeks, with prompt psychoeducation and mental-health referrals.
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