Predictors of postpartum depression and the utilization of postpartum depression services in rural areas in the Philippines

Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2020 Apr;56(2):308-315. doi: 10.1111/ppc.12428. Epub 2019 Jul 29.

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored the prevalence and predictors of postpartum depression (PPD) as well as the utilization and evaluation of PPD services among postpartum women in rural areas of the Philippines.

Design and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. One hundred sixty-five women who visited maternal facilities in the rural areas of the Central Philippines completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).

Findings: The prevalence of PPD was 16.4% at the sixth postpartum week. Occupation and marital status had significant direct influences on PPD. PPD services were not routinely provided by doctors and nurses.

Practice implications: Our results highlight a greater need to intensify government programs relative to PPD services, specifically related to the early detection and screening of PPD among high-risk pregnancies.

Keywords: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS); Philippines; depression; postpartum.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Community Mental Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression, Postpartum / diagnosis*
  • Depression, Postpartum / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Government Programs
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Mothers / psychology
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Philippines / epidemiology
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Population
  • Young Adult