Incidence and factors associated with postpartum depressive symptoms: a literature review

Objective: to identify in the scientific literature the incidence of postpartum depressive symptoms and associated factors. Method: narrative review of the literature described according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The bibliographic search was carried out in the BVS, in the LILACS and MEDLINE databases. Observational studies with a longitudinal design were eligible, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, available in full text, published in 2019 and 2020. Results: 17 articles were included. The incidence of postpartum depressive symptoms ranged from 0.18% to 27.87%. The main associated risk factors were a history of depression, stress and stressful family relationships, low social support, comorbid psychiatric disorders and negative experiences or complications during childbirth. Conclusion: postpartum depressive symptoms affect a significant proportion of postpartum women and remain a public health problem. It is suggested that studies related to the theme be continued on a national level.