Status of postpartum depression in Turkey: A meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

We determined the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and related risk factors in Turkey based on relevant research. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis and was conducted by performing a scan of the Turkish and English literature over the period of January–February 2016. Most of the research included in this systematic compilation made use of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. The scans executed indicated that 4,740 women out of 18,780 were at risk for PPD. In the computations made based on these data, it was found that the consolidated prevalence of PPD was 24% (21%–27% at a confidence interval of 95%) and that this rate varied between 9% and 51%. The study revealed 54 risk factors related to PPD. Those most commonly reported were mental problems/depression prior to pregnancy, unplanned/unwanted pregnancy, low income/socioeconomic level, bad marital relationship/problems with spouse/dissatisfaction with married life, and being a housewife. In this study, we showed that the prevalence rate of PPD is significantly high, that it varies within a wide range, that the prevalence of depression decreased with the increase of the time passed after childbirth, and that it is related to numerous and different factors.

Conflict of interest

There was no conflict of interest between the authors of this study.

Acknowledgment

We thank the authors of the studies included in our review for their contributions.

Author' contributions

Planning the study: ZK, AÇ, BA, obtaining the data: ZK, AÇ, BA, analysis of the data: ZK, EK: preparation of the study report: ZK, AÇ, EK.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was obtained for this study and expenses were covered by the researchers themselves.