Abstract
PURPOSE: This study investigated the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and explored associated factors among mothers attending postnatal care in Bhutan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to November 2023 at a national referral hospital in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. In total, 314 mothers were recruited. Sociodemographic, psychosocial, obstetric, and infant-related data were collected using questionnaires. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, with a threshold of ≥11, was employed to screen for PPD, and logistic regression was used to test the potential factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of PPD was 14.97%. Mothers with a perceived change in body image (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.91-10.17; p=.001), perceived heightened stress after delivery (AOR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.45-9.67; p=.006), poor relationship with inlaws (AOR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.24-5.30; p=. 011), and negative birth experience (AOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.17-5.00; p=.016) demonstrated significantly higher odds of developing PPD. However, mothers with a higher monthly family income (Bhutanese ngultrum [Nu.] 20,000 to <50,000; AOR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13-0.92; p=.033), ≥Nu. 50,000 (AOR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.13-1.07, p=.067) compared to