Investigation of the Postpartum Depression Levels at the 6th Postpartum Week of Mothers Who Gave Birth in One of the Eastern Provinces of Türkiye

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate postpartum depression (PPD) levels in postpartum women living in rural areas. Material and Method: The study was carried out between 10.11.2022 and 10.11.2023 at a Training and Research Hospital in Ağrı province. The study was designed as a cross-sectional study and was conducted with 337 participants. In the study, the Data Collection Form and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) were used. Results: In the study, the mean Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) score was found to be 11.51 ± 4.77 (min-max: 1-25). Age groups, place of residence, income and expense status, educational status, spouse\\\'s education status and mother\\\'s employment status, planned pregnancy status, number of pregnancies, number of stillbirths/miscarriages, postpartum weight, violence during pregnancy and presence of social support, starting work after birth. It was determined that there was a relationship between the time of birth, the time of holding the baby after birth, complications developing in the baby and the mother, and the scale score averages (p <0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the study, it was determined that women living in rural areas have a high risk of PPD due to various reasons such as having to do heavy work, being exposed to domestic violence, and ignoring their health problems.