Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in Postpartum Women: The Role of Contraceptive Use, Type and Health-Related Factors

Background: The postpartum period is critical for women due to significant bio-psychosocial changes and the consequences of delivery. Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the use of contraceptives and other health-related factors in the risk of developing postpartum depression among women in Jordan. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational design was used to recruit 803 women using a convenience sample technique from the central district of Jordan. Data were collected on depressive symptoms, contraceptive use and type, and pregnancy health-related factors.  Results: Using binary logistic regression analysis, non-hormonal contraceptives and musculoskeletal pain were significant predictors (p<.05) of the risk of developing depressive symptoms in the sampled women (OR=4.1, 3.8; respectively). For the women in our sample, 24.9% (n=200) developed depressive symptoms. Most of those who felt depressed reported suffering from insomnia (50.0%] and baby blues (13.0%), while loss of appetite was reported by 33.0%. The analysis also showed that 51.0% (n=409) had used at least one method of contraception. Among those using contraceptive methods, 31.0% had only used hormonal contraceptives compared to 69.0% using non-hormonal forms. Conclusion: Non-hormonal contraceptive use and musculoskeletal pain were found to be significantly associated with the risk of developing postpartum depressive symptoms. Family and reproductive health professionals need to emphasize the bio-psychological aspects of health for pregnant and postpartum women.