Postnatal Depression Among Women Attending a Rural Maternity Hospital in South India

Abstract

Introduction: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Dis- orders (DSM) V defines Postpartum Depression (PND) as depres- sion with onset within 4 weeks of delivery, symptoms lasting for a minimum of two weeks, causing clinically significant impairment of functioning. PND has important implications for the welfare of the family and the development of the child. Objectives were to de- termine the prevalence of postnatal depression among women at- tending a rural maternity hospital in South India and to identify the risk factors determining postnatal depression. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study, at a rural maternity hospital near Bangalore. One hundred and eighty women were se- lected through consecutive sampling. The Edinburg Postnatal De- pression Scale (EPDS) was used administered to assess postnatal depression. Results: Prevalence of probable depression was found to be 18%. Risk factors found to be significantly associated with postnatal de- pression were high risk pregnancy, being unhappy with in-laws, low income of the family, mood swings and low mood during pregnancy. Conclusion: This study identified certain socio-demographic and obstetric risk factors for postnatal depressive symptoms in a rural community which helps to design intervention and preventive strategies for postpartum depression.

Keywords

• Postnatal depression
• EPDS
• rural women
• South India