Cesarean delivery and postpartum depression in new mothers in Trujillo, Peru

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum depression affects approximately one in five women in the postpartum period and represents a public health issue. Given the rising frequency of cesarean sections, it is necessary to evaluate the potential association between this delivery method and the condition. Objective: To determine the association between cesarean delivery and postpartum depression among women in Trujillo in 2025. Methods: A quantitative, applied, non-experimental case-control study was conducted. Data were collected via a survey using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to measure the postpartum depression variable. Statistical analysis involved the Chi-square test (with significance set at p<0.05) and the calculation of the Odds Ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval. Results: Cesarean section was significantly associated with postpartum depression (X²=10.868; p=0.001). Women who underwent a cesarean section showed an OR of 3.78 (95% CI) compared to those who had a vaginal delivery. Conclusion: Women who delivered via cesarean section showed an association of 3.78 with postpartum depression compared to those who had a vaginal delivery; additionally, young age, urban residence, and primiparity were also significantly associated with postpartum depression.