Prevalence of Postpartum Depression in Iran - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This researchwas a systematic review and a meta-analysis study of prevalence of postpartum depression that 15 articles were selected from 1997 to 2010 of different sub regions of Iran by using a valid keyword with search in valid database (SID، MedLib، IranMedex، Google and Magiran). To explore heterogeneity between studies I2 index was used. Meta-analysis used to data analysis with random effects model.

All the sample size in this study was 11665 with average of 777 samples. The pooled prevalence of PPD was 28. 7% in Iran (CI 95%: 24. 9-32. 5) and in Studies that Edinburgh and Beck questionnaires were used، the prevalence was 26. 9% (CI 95%: 22. 3-31. 6) and 30. 5% (CI 95%: 21. 4-39. 6) respectively. The prevalence of PPD in women with a history of depression was 39. 6% (CI 95%: 36. 6-73. 3)، Employed women and housewives 33. 5% (CI 95% 12. 1-54. 8) and 29% (CI 95%: 14. 5-43. 5) respectively، in women with wanted and unwanted pregnancies، 40. 3 (CI 95%: 26. 6-54. 1) and 50. 5% (CI 95%: 34. 8-66. 3) respectively.

Prevalence of PPD is higher in Iranian’s studies compare with similar studies in other parts of the world. PPD was seen more in employed women، mothers with a history of depression and unplanned pregnancy.