Differences in Postpartum Depression Among Adolescent, Young, and Advanced Maternal Age Mothers in Two Health Centers in Trujillo, 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57188/ricsa.2025.18Abstract
Introduction: Postpartum depression is a mental health complication that significantly affects maternal and infant well-being, with variations potentially linked to maternal age and socioeconomic conditions. Objective: To compare the prevalence, severity, and associated factors of postpartum depression among adolescent, young adult, and older postpartum women in two health centers in Trujillo during 2024. Materials and Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing 141 medical records of postpartum women. The prevalence and severity of postpartum depression were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and associated sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed. Results: Of the participants, 7.8% were adolescents, 76.6% were young adults, and 15.6% were older adults. No significant differences in the prevalence of postpartum depression were found among age groups; however, being a single mother was significantly associated with a higher risk of postpartum depression (RR = 1.5; p = 0.05) according to Poisson regression analysis, while economic problems and other variables did not show a significant association. Conclusion: Postpartum depression similarly affects women across different age groups; however, social factors such as single motherhood increase the risk. It is recommended to implement emotional and social support strategies at all levels of care to prevent and manage postpartum depression effectively.
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