IJCM_330A: Prevalence and predictors of postpartum depression among females attending tertiary hospital Jammu

Abstract

Background: Puerperium or Postpartum period is the period of first six weeks postpartum which begin immediately after parturition. During this time woman is adapting to multiple physical, social and psychological changes. Early identification of such symptoms is crucial for its prompt treatment. Many women develop depressive symptoms. Objective: is to find out the prevalence and factors associated with Postpartum Depression especially the social support. Methodology: this cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of one year among mothers who were in the period of 4-7 weeks postpartum. The participants were assessed using the scales -Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale, Hamilton depression Rating scale and Multidimensional scale of perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Statistical analysis was done using spss version (20.0) info. Appropriate statistical tests were used. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 750, 16.1% had postpartum depression, (a score of =10 on EPDS). The factors which were significantly associated included marital status, religion, residence, education of mother and her husband, history of domestic violence, history of mental illness in the past, family history of mental illness, duration of pregnancy, time since delivery, any complication during pregnancy, birthweight of baby and planned parenthood. Social support shows negative correlation with PPD which is statistically significant Conclusion: The prevalence of depression in postpartum mothers is high, various sociodemographic and obstetric factors are significantly associated with it. social support emerged to be protective in reducing the postpartum depression.

Keywords

• postpartum
• social support
• depression
• prevalence