Symbolic image of a pregnant woman in Argentina, representing postpartum depression and hope.

Beyond the Blues: Unmasking Postpartum Depression in Argentina

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study sheds light on the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression among low-income women in Argentina, highlighting the urgent need for better screening and support systems."

The arrival of a new baby is often celebrated as a joyous occasion. However, for many women, this period can be overshadowed by postpartum depression (PPD), a condition characterized by persistent sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that can significantly impact their well-being and their ability to care for their child. While PPD is a global concern, its prevalence and contributing factors can vary significantly across different cultures and socioeconomic groups.

A recent study conducted in Tucumán, Argentina, sheds light on the challenges faced by low-income women in the region, revealing a surprisingly high rate of postpartum depression and identifying key factors that contribute to this often-underdiagnosed condition. This article will explore the findings of this research, highlighting the urgent need for improved screening, support, and culturally sensitive interventions to address PPD in Argentina and similar settings.

By understanding the specific risk factors and cultural influences at play, we can work towards creating more effective strategies to identify and support women struggling with PPD, ensuring a healthier start for both mothers and their children.

A Closer Look at Postpartum Depression in Argentina: Unveiling the Numbers and Key Risk Factors

Symbolic image of a pregnant woman in Argentina, representing postpartum depression and hope.

The study, conducted at a public maternity hospital in Tucumán, Argentina, involved 539 women from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Researchers used the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) to assess the prevalence of PPD at 4 weeks postpartum. The findings revealed that a significant proportion of women screened positive for depression:

These figures underscore the significant burden of PPD among low-income women in Argentina, highlighting the need for greater awareness and intervention.

31.0% of mothers screened positive for PPD using an EPDS score of 10 or higher.
18.4% screened positive using a higher cutoff score of 13, indicating increased severity of depressive symptoms.
A concerning 4.3% of women reported thoughts of self-harm.

The research team also investigated various sociodemographic, medical, and obstetric factors to identify potential risk factors associated with PPD. The hierarchical model analysis revealed several key factors that significantly increased the likelihood of a positive PPD screening:

Moving Forward: Addressing the Urgent Need for Improved Screening and Support

This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and risk factors of PPD among low-income women in Argentina, underscoring the urgent need for improved screening and support systems. The findings highlight the importance of considering socioeconomic factors, personal psychiatric history, and experiences during pregnancy and childbirth when assessing a woman's risk for PPD.

To effectively address this critical issue, several key steps should be taken:

Ultimately, by prioritizing maternal mental health and implementing culturally sensitive interventions, we can create a brighter future for mothers and children in Argentina and beyond. Continued research and advocacy are essential to ensure that all women receive the support they need to thrive during the postpartum period.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.11.091, Alternate LINK

Title: Factors Associated With Postpartum Depression In Women From Low Socioeconomic Level In Argentina: A Hierarchical Model Approach

Subject: Psychiatry and Mental health

Journal: Journal of Affective Disorders

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Diana Pham, Gabriela Cormick, Melissa M. Amyx, Luz Gibbons, Meitra Doty, Asia Brown, Angel Norwood, Federico M. Daray, Fernando Althabe, José M. Belizán

Published: 2018-02-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is postpartum depression (PPD), and why is it important?

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a condition marked by persistent sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that impacts a mother's well-being and her ability to care for her child. In the context of Argentina, the study highlights that PPD is a significant concern, especially among low-income women in Tucumán. It is crucial to recognize these signs because it can impact both the mother and the child's health and development. The study also found that a concerning 4.3% of women reported thoughts of self-harm. Addressing PPD involves recognizing the symptoms, seeking professional help, and accessing available support systems.

What is the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and how was it used in the study?

The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) is a tool used to screen for postpartum depression (PPD). In the study conducted in Tucumán, Argentina, the EPDS was used to assess the prevalence of PPD among 539 low-income women at 4 weeks postpartum. The study found that 31.0% of mothers screened positive for PPD using an EPDS score of 10 or higher, and 18.4% screened positive using a higher cutoff score of 13, indicating increased severity of depressive symptoms. This scale helps identify women who may need further evaluation and support.

What are some of the key risk factors for postpartum depression?

The study identified several key factors that significantly increased the likelihood of a positive PPD screening. The study revealed that socioeconomic factors are very important. The study found that low-income women in Argentina are especially at risk. Personal psychiatric history, experiences during pregnancy, and childbirth are also crucial. Understanding these risk factors is important to identify and support women struggling with PPD. This helps in developing targeted interventions and support systems for those most at risk.

Where was the study on postpartum depression conducted, and why is this location significant?

The study was conducted in Tucumán, Argentina. The location is significant because it highlights the specific challenges faced by low-income women in this region. This focus enables researchers to investigate the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and identify the risk factors within this specific population. By understanding the local context, culturally sensitive interventions and support systems can be designed and implemented effectively.

What are the implications of the study's findings?

The study underscores the urgent need for improved screening and support systems for postpartum depression (PPD) in Argentina. The high prevalence rates of PPD among low-income women, such as the finding that 31.0% of mothers screened positive using an EPDS score of 10 or higher, highlight the need for greater awareness and intervention. It emphasizes the importance of considering socioeconomic factors, personal psychiatric history, and experiences during pregnancy and childbirth when assessing a woman's risk for PPD. The implications of this study extend to the development of culturally sensitive interventions and the provision of support to ensure a healthier start for mothers and their children.