Postpartum Depression and its Correlates among Women Living in Zabol (Iran)

Objectivet: to determine the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression among women living in zabol, a city in south-east of iran. method: 2 to 8 weeks after delivery, 408 women were assessed for depression and some of its risk factors. results: the prevalence of postpartum depression was (40.4 %). risk factors for the onset of post-partum depression included younger age, low income families, unemployment, history of depression, lack of family support, formula feeding, relationship difficulties with spouse, parents or parents-in-law. type of delivery, number of pregnancy, number of delivery, satisfaction with sex of the baby, and number of children, were not associated with occurrence of ppd. conclusion: depression occurs frequently after childbirth. the findings have implications for policies concerning maternal and childcare programs