Publication:

Assessing the prevalence, sociodemographic factors and psychosocial determinants associated with postpartum depression: a cross-sectional study in the urban field practice area of Bidar

Background Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious health issue that affects many women after childbirth. It includes a range of mood problems from mild sadness to severe depression, usually starting within four weeks after delivery and may last up to one year. To estimate the prevalence of postpartum depression among women within six months of delivery and to identify the socio-demographic, obstetric and psychosocial determinants associated with it.

Methods An observational cross- sectional study was conducted among 150 Postpartum women (within 6 months of delivery) residing in the urban field practice area from 01 February 2026 to April 2026.Universal sampling method was used to collect the information from eligible postpartum women. A pretested questionnaire including socio-demographic, obstetric and psychosocial determinants and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) – validated Hindi version were used to assess postpartum depression among the participants. Data was analysed using Microsoft excel and SPSS software.

Results The prevalence of postpartum depression was 15 (10%) among study participants. Significant associations of postpartum depression among study participants were observed with age <25 years, uneducated, belonging to lower socioeconomic class, primiparous, caesarean section delivery, having female child, substance use by husband, having  poor social support from husband and in-laws and domestic violence (p<0.05).

Conclusions Poverty, caesarean section, female child, primiparous, domestic violence, substance use by husband and poor support from husband & in-laws have been identified as major contributors towards postpartum depression. This cross-sectional study highlights the need for early screening, counselling and strengthening of social support systems for mothers during the postpartum period to promote maternal mental health and overall family well-being.