Depresión y calidad de vida en mujeres en etapa prenatal y postnatal en Cuenca-EcuadorDepresión y calidad de vida en mujeres en etapa prenatal y postnatal en Cuenca-Ecuador

Depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period is a public health issue that can significantly affect the quality of life of women during the prenatal and postnatal stages. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between depressive symptoms, quality of life, and health satisfaction among women in the prenatal and postnatal stages in Cuenca, Ecuador. A quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted. Data collection involved the use of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the two general questions from the WHOQOL-BREF. The sample consisted of 230 women—72.2% in the prenatal period and 27.8% in the postnatal period—who were patients at the José Carrasco Arteaga Hospital in 2025. The results showed that during the prenatal stage, a higher presence of depressive symptoms was associated with a lower perception of quality of life (r = -0.394; p = 0.000) and lower health satisfaction (r = -0.259; p = 0.001). In the postnatal stage, no significant relationship was found between the main variables. The findings suggest that the postnatal stage is a period of heightened emotional sensitivity and that certain sociodemographic determinants increase vulnerability to psychological distress. It was concluded that there is a need to strengthen early detection and emotional support programs, particularly those targeting women at social risk or with a history of psychological issues.