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Resumen

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is an underdiagnosed clinical condition in the puerperium of great impact on public health. The article aims to identify

the incidence of PPD and associated risk factors in women who gave birth at the University Hospital of Florianópolis and describe their socioeconomic profile.  It is a cross-sectional study. Two surveys were applied during the 48 hour postpartum period: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and another to investigate socioeconomic, psychosocial and obstetric variables. The former was reapplied six weeks after. An EPDS score ≥ 11 was interpreted as probable PPD. Chi-square tests were used to identify associations between selected variables as possible risk factors for PPD. The epidemiological analysis was conducted based on the absolute and relative risks. Results: 148 women were included in this study. The incidence of PPD within the first 48 hours following childbirth was 22.97%. Six weeks after, it was 31.5% of the sample. Risk factors found in both moments were: previous diagnosis of psychiatric disorder, hyperemesis gravidarum during gestation and a difficult relationship with one's partner. Common protective factors were satisfaction with one's body and pregnancy. An EPDS score ≥ 11 immediately following childbirth was also associated as an important risk factor for the development of PPD six weeks after and for self-harm. It is concluded that The elevated incidence of PPD is related to social factors and to one's previous history, thus demonstrating the need for precursory investigation of depression in the perinatal period for adequate prevention and treatment.