Prevalence Of Post Partum Depression Among Postnatal Women At A Tertiary Care Centre Using Edinburgh Post Partum Depression Scale

Abstract

Postpartum depression is a grave mental health problem, which is more prevalent than society realizes and poses great risk. It has been associated with lack of breastfeeding, aversion towards the baby and negative impact on the development of the child. A total of 300 women who delivered between January 14 to March 31 of 2020 at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital were chosen following ethical clearance. After explaining the aspects of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale in their native language, the questionnaire was provided. A score of 10 and above were considered positive. Data were evaluated using SPSS and Chi square test. The prevalence of PPD was seen in 14% of women. It was higher with vaginal delivery, in women who had multiple births, lack of financial and social support, with domestic violence and alcoholic partner. Medical help was advised to women who scored 10 and above; only 5% sought medical intervention. Others did not recognize depression as a health issue. This shows the lack of awareness among the population. Medical health professionals should spread awareness, conduct more studies to evaluate the prevalence, the predisposing factors, methods for early diagnosis and ways to help women overcome “THE OTHER SIDE OF MOTHERHOOD”.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of postpartum depression in India: A comprehensive review

“…[ 1 ] In South India, the burden of PPD in rural south Karnataka was 11% in 2022, [ 10 ] 31.3% in 2021, [ 11 ] and 21.5% in 2019. [ 12 ] The prevalence of PPD in Chennai in 2021 was 14%, [ 13 ] and in 2019, 9.5% of primary mothers in Kerala had PPD [ Table 1 ]. [ 14 ]…”

Postpartum Depression at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and Associated Factors

“…Another study, which was conducted in Jeddah city in Saudi Arabia in 2021, found that a history of previous depression, experience with difficult life events, and specific attitudes toward pregnancy were all significantly associated with PPD [ 12 ]. Additionally, a study from the Obstetrics ward in Saveetha Medical College and Hospital in India concluded that a lack of social support, low socio-economic status, and family disharmony were significantly associated with PPD [ 17 ]. A study conducted in Pakistan in 2021 found several risk factors for PPD, including a previous history of depression, an infant with anomalies, an unplanned pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and any comorbidity in the mother [ 26 ].…”

“…Other studies found that women who underwent spontaneous vaginal delivery were at a higher risk of developing PPD. The previously mentioned study from the Obstetrics ward in Saveetha Medical College and Hospital in India found that women who had a vaginal delivery rather than a CS had a higher prevalence of PPD [ 17 ]. A study conducted in Al-Madinah city in Saudi Arabia in 2021 found that women who delivered spontaneously through a vaginal route had an almost three times greater risk of developing PPD than those who delivered via CS.…”

“…Our study was limited to only KKUH, whereas the previously mentioned studies involved multiple primary health care centers. For instance, the study that was conducted at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital included women who delivered at three different locations: a college hospital, a primary health center, and at home [ 17 ].…”

“…PPD has been linked to various factors. For instance, international studies found that young age, single parenthood [ 10 ], delivery complications and husband support during the pregnancy period [ 9 ], report of a health problem during the last pregnancy, perceived exposure to a significant number of life stressors [ 15 ], poor satisfaction in relationships with the husband and family [ 16 ], and lack of financial and social support [ 17 ] are all associated with PPD.…”