Postpartum depression, affecting 12–17% of women, is a major depressive episode occurring within four weeks of childbirth and potentially lasting up to one year. Because early identification can prevent adverse maternal and child health outcomes, understanding population‑level risk factors is critical. This study used population‑based data from Oregon to (1) determine the prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms across established risk factors, (2) identify which risk factors remained significant in multivariate analysis, and (3) examine how race, ethnicity, and income relate to postpartum depressive symptoms. Findings aim to enhance early screening, recognition, and support for affected mothers and families.
