Postpartum Depression, analysis of risk factors and nursing intervention. Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum depression is the presence of depressive symptoms in women, generally in the four weeks following childbirth and appears in 10-15% of women. PPD presents a series of important consequences for both the mother and the child or family environment, so nursing must detect the risk factors and intervene to minimize them. Objectives: For this reason, the main objective of this study is to analyze the risk factors that influence the onset of PPD, and thus to determine the nursing actions to be taken in the face of this diagnosis. Methodology: It was carried out a bibliographical review in 2 databases of Health Sciences (PubMed, SciELO), from which a significant number of valid articles was obtained for the review. Results: After reviewing the literature, most of the articles agree that the most important risk factors are related to previous psychiatric history and lack of social support, economic resources, or low level of education, as well as poor obstetric experience, geographical location or lack of sleep. Conclusions: To assess PPD, the use of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Test (EPDS) in the first weeks after birth is recommended because of its ease and usefulness. After diagnosis, an intervention is proposed by health professionals with behavioral and psychosocial therapies to help mothers feel better and reduce the development of PPD.