The aim of this study was to identify risk factors in early postpartum that predict postpartum depression (PPD) at 6-8 weeks.

A prospective cohort of 309 women was studied between the 2nd-3rd days postpartum and at 6-8 weeks postpartum. Initially we administered a general information questionnaire that included obstetrical variables and history of personal and family affective disorders. Between the 2nd and 3rd days postpartum they filled out the Spanish version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Spielberg Anxiety Trait and State Inventory (STAI-R/S), Neuroticism Dimension (EPQ), St Paul Ramsey Questionnaire (life events) and Duke Social Support Scale. At 6-8 weeks postpartum they filled out again the EPDS. Women who scored ≥10 were screened as having PPD.

The incidence of PPD at 6-8 weeks was 14.6%. After Bonferroni correction, univariated analysis showed that previous personal history of depression (p<0.001), high neuroticism (p<0.001), low social support (p<0.002) and high EPDS (p<0.001) in the immediate postpartum were associated with PPD. Logistical regression analysis identified previous personal history of depression and high initial level of depression (OR=14.6; 95%CI=4.8-12.2; p<0.001) as risk factors for PPD. The absence of signification of the Hosmer-Lemersshow test (x2 =9.654; df=8; p=0.290) indicated the goodness-of-fit of the prediction model.

A previous history of depression and EPDS≥10 in the immediate postpartum allow to identify women with high risk of PPD before leaving the Obstetric Ward.

This study has been supported in part by grants: Instituto Carlos III: GO3/184; FIS: PI041783 and FIS 05/2565.