Bora Moon, Hyun Kyoung Kim, Ju-Hee Nho, Hyunkyung Choi, ChaeWeon Chung, Sook Jung Kang, Ju Hee Kim, Ju-Young Lee, Sihyun Park, Gisoo Shin, Ju-Eun Song, Min Hee Lee, Sue Kim
Ewha Med J 2025;48(1):e15. Published online January 31, 2025
The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in Asia is reported to range from
13.53% to 22.31%. However, there remains a gap in the identification of PPD,
particularly regarding cultural cutoff points. Therefore, the purpose of this
scoping review was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of PPD in
Eastern, South-eastern, Western, and Southern Asian countries and analyze the
cutoff points of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) used across
these countries. Following Arksey and O'Malley’s five-step scoping
review framework, the population was defined as mothers, the concept as the
EPDS, and the context as the Asian region. A literature search was conducted
using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The data analysis
focused on demographic characteristics, EPDS cutoffs and features, PPD
prevalence, and its associated factors. Nineteen studies were selected. Most
countries used translated versions of the EPDS with demonstrated reliability and
validity. The cutoff scores varied, with most using scores of 10 or higher. The
prevalence of PPD ranged from 5.1% to 78.7%. Key associated factors for PPD
included cultural factors such as relationships with in-laws and preferences for
the newborn’s sex. To improve the accuracy of PPD screening in Asia, the
EPDS should be used consistently, and appropriate cutoff criteria must be
established. In addition, prevention strategies and programs that reflect the
cultural characteristics and social context of Asia need to be developed for the
early detection and prevention of PPD.