Postpartum Depression in an Urban Setting in Thiès (Senegal)—Prevalence and Risk Factors

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mood disorder affecting new mothers, with serious consequences for maternal and child health. Despite its high prevalence, especially in low- and middle-income countries, it often remains underdiagnosed, particularly in African contexts. Objective: To assess the prevalence of postpartum depression and identify its key associated risk factors in maternity facilities in Thiès, Senegal. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted from December 13, 2023, to January 19, 2024, in four public health facilities. Forty postpartum women (within six months after delivery) were recruited through simple random sampling during postnatal and vaccination visits. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with a cutoff score of ≥10 indicating probable depression. Statistical analysis included correlation tests and Fisher’s exact tests. No multivariate regression was conducted due to the limited sample size. Results: The prevalence of probable postpartum depression was 25%. Two factors were significantly associated with an EPDS score ≥ 10: younger maternal age (p = 0.017) and a history of psychological or physical violence (p = 0.031). Other variables such as marital status, socioeconomic level, prenatal consultations, or family support were not statistically associated with PPD. Conclusion: Postpartum depression is a frequent but underrecognized issue in Thiès. The identification of key risk factors such as age and exposure to violence highlights the need for systematic screening and multidisciplinary mental health support for postpartum women. Further research with larger samples is required to confirm these findings and evaluate protective factors such as social support.