Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly affects the welfare of mothers, infants, families, and communities. Mothers in rural areas often face low incomes, poor social security, low education levels, and inadequate medical services. These specific cultural, social, and economic aspects have led to a worsening of PPD in rural areas. However, the current situation of PPD among women in rural areas of China is still insufficiently explored.Aim: This study aims to explore the prevalence and risk factors of PPD among women in low‐income developing rural areas of China.Methods: A cross‐sectional design was used in this study. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was applied to evaluate PPD symptoms. General demographic questionnaire, obstetrics‐/pediatrics‐related questionnaire, and psychosocial‐related questionnaire were adopted. Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) was utilized to assess experienced intimate partner violence during pregnancy and postpartum. Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) was utilized to measure their levels of social support.Results: Of the 467 participants, the overall prevalence of PPD among women in rural areas of China was 16.5%, and the average EPDS score was 8.35 (SD = 4.50). PPD occurred most frequently at 7–9 months postpartum (33.8%). Six factors associated with PPD were whether the sex of the baby was in line with the family’s expectations, monthly income of partners, social support, IPV during pregnancy and childbirth, and negative life events in the last 1 year, as well as physical and mental exhaustion from caring for a baby.Conclusions: This study sheds light on the prevalence and various risk factors associated with PPD among women residing in low‐income developing rural areas of China. The findings highlighted the need for targeted interventions and support systems designed to address the specific socioeconomic and cultural difficulties encountered by rural mothers.

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Intimate partner violence is a global issue with severe impacts on women’s health, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. Living conditions for mothers in rural areas are characterized by transportation isolation, low literacy levels, lower economic status, limited access to healthcare, and social norms that condone violence. These specific cultural, social, and economic factors have contributed to the worsening of intimate partner violence in rural areas. However, the current situation of intimate partner violence among women during pregnancy and the postpartum in low-income rural areas of China remains insufficiently explored. To examine the prevalence and factors influencing intimate partner violence among women during pregnancy and postpartum in low-income rural areas of China. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a set of general questionnaires covering demographic, obstetric/pediatric, and psychosocial characteristics, together with two validated instruments, namely the Abuse Assessment Screen for intimate partner violence and the Social Support Rating Scale for social support. Among 467 women, 82 (17.6%) experienced intimate partner violence during pregnancy and postpartum, including 74 (15.8%) emotional, 15 (3.2%) physical, and 20 (4.3%) sexual violence cases. Additionally, 2.1% of the participants experienced all three types of violence. Receiving care from partners or their families and social support were protective factors, while the number of pregnancies, partner alcohol abuse during pregnancy, negative life events, and supportive attitudes toward intimate partner violence were risk factors. The findings indicate that targeted interventions and educational efforts should focus on altering sociocultural perceptions and behavioral patterns, particularly the attitudes of partners and family members. Future research should thoroughly investigate the long-term effects of various forms of support (e.g., emotional, financial) and the support systems aimed at addressing the specific socio-economic and cultural challenges faced by rural mothers.