Publication:

Prevalence and risk factor analysis for postpartum depression: a cross sectional study at tertiary care center, Mangalore

Background The overall pooled estimate of the prevalence of Postpartum depression in Indian mothers is 22%. In India, women who deliver at a health facility often stays less than 48hrs after delivery and this leaves little opportunity for health personnel to counsel the mother and family members on the signs and symptoms of Postpartum depression (PPD) and when to seek care. So, it is important to screen the postpartum woman for depression. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is used as an effective tool to assess the level of postnatal depression. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with postpartum depression in the postnatal mothers using EDPS scale.

Methods This study was conducted at A. J. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center from January 2019 to May 2020. A total of 950 postnatal mothers were interviewed using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

Results A total of 950 cases were studied. Prevalence of Postpartum depression was 15.78%. Increased incidence was seen in the primigravida (12.2%) compared to multigravidas (3.57%). This study showed 1.89% mothers belonging to upper middle class, 5.05% belonging to lower middle class had PPD and 7.26% belonging to upper lower class and 1.57 % patients belonging to lower class had PPD. In our study, 9.26% patients who underwent normal vaginal delivery had PPD and 6.52% of patients who underwent lower segment caesarean section had PPD. In the present study, it was found that 1.05% mothers having IUD babies and 5.2% (96/950) mothers who required NICU admission developed PPD.

Conclusions In this study, the prevalence of postpartum depression was 15.78%. Risk of PPD is more with primigravida, belonging to lower middle class status, mothers who had NVD and mothers of IUD babies. Postpartum depression screening should be an integral part of postnatal care using EPDS scale. A multidisciplinary approach including obstetrician and psychiatrists and counsellor can jointly take care of the depressed mothers. Early screening of the women may reduce the adverse outcomes among both mother and child. Proper counselling should be done to all the pregnant women and the family members for the birth preparedness.