Background: Considering the high prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD), its serious problems for mother, child and family and the importance of identification of its risk factors this study has been carried out to evaluate the relationship between the method of delivery and PPD.

Materials and Methods: This analytical case control study with goal based sampling included 460 women referred to Kashan health care centers in 2-3 first months after their delivery during 2005-2006. They allocated to 2 equal groups of depressed (case) and normal (control) one per Beck depression test. Gender and gravida were matched in 2 groups. Data analyzed with Chi-Square test, T-test,OR, and CI.

Results: There was no significant relationship between the method of delivery and PPD (OR=1.28). In case group the rate of Cesarean section was 46.1% and in control group 52.2%. In this subject, there was significant relationship between housbands job and PPD (p=0.047). There was no significant relationship between mother education and her job, number of her children and unplanned pregnancy with PPD.

Conclusions: There was no relationship between the method of delivery and PPD. There was less PPD in women whose hausbands had a staffing job. It is recommended to do more study on this subject.

Background: Postpartum depression is a serious problem that may have negative effects on mother and family mental health. Considering that several theories have been proposed to explain the epidemiologic and demographic factors associated with the postpartum depression, the aim of this study was to identify the factors related to postpartum depression in Kashan.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50% of all health centers in Kashan were randomly selected during 2007-8. All of 204 mothers referred during 2-3 months of postpartum with minimum literacy (primary education) showed willingness to complete the questionnaire which included two parts: demographic and psychosocial questions and BDI (Beck Depression Inventory). Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, CI, OR, and logistic regression.

Results: Seventy-seven (37.7%) out of 204 mothers referred to Kashan health centers experienced postpartum depression (0.31-0.44). There was a statistically significant relationship between seven demographic and psychosocial factors and postpartum depression, in logistic regression (P<0.001), three factors (husband's appropriate behavior, intimate relationship with family, and no prior history of depression) were remained in the model. The findings indicated that the mentioned factors can reduce the incidence of postpartum depression.

Conclusion: According to the results, factors including husband's appropriate behavior, intimate relationship with family and no prior history of depression may reduce the incidence of postpartum depression.