Frequency of Depression and Risk Factors among Adolescent Mothers in Turkey within the First Year of the Postnatal Period

Abstract

Study Objective: Postpartum depression (PPD) emerges within the first 4 weeks of the postnatal period and might continue for as long as 1 year. The aims of this prospective study were to examine the prevalence, severity, and risk factors for PPD among adolescent mothers in Turkey. Design, Setting, and Participants: The study consisted of 84 adolescent mothers between the ages of 15 and 19 years. Interventions and Main Outcome Measures: The participants were questioned about PPD at 3 postnatal periods: 4 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. A 23-item question form, prepared to evaluate the risk of PPD, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were used. Results: The risk of adolescent PPD was 19 (22.6%). There was a statistically significant association between the risk of PPD and various factors, such as age, educational background, trouble with partner and family, problems with sexual intercourse in the postnatal term, and assertiveness in making decisions about children (P < .05). At the 6-month follow-up, the scores of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale risk group remained the same, but they were lower at the 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: The results revealed that adolescent mothers need the assistance of partners, families, midwives/nurses, and other support systems, especially during the first postnatal year, to reduce the prevalence of adolescent PPD.