Serum Vitamin D3 and Lipid Profile in Women At-risk and Not At-risk of Postpartum Depression: A Hospital-based, Cross-sectional, Analytical Study

Abstract Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common psychiatric disorder associated with adverse maternal and child outcomes. Vitamin D3 deficiency and dysregulated lipid metabolism have been implicated in depressive disorders, but their relationship with PPD remains insufficiently explored.

Aim

Our aim was to investigate the relationship between serum Vitamin D3 levels, lipid profile parameters, and risk of developing PPD among postpartum women. Methodology: This hospital-based, cross-sectional, analytical study included 138 postpartum women assessed within 1–7 days of delivery. Participants were categorized as at-risk of PPD (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥10; n = 69) or controls (EPDS <10; n = 69). Serum vitamin D3 levels and lipid profile parameters were measured using standardized laboratory methods. Group comparisons, correlation analyses, Fisher’s r-to-z transformation, and regression analyses were performed.