PREVALENCE OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND AN ANALYSIS OF ITSPREDISPOSING FACTORS IN A TERTIARY CARE SETTING IN TELANGANA,INDIA

Abstract

Background: In Postpartum Depression [PPD] is a significant public health problem affecting maternal and child health. Its prevalence and risk factors are influenced by socio-cultural contexts. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PPD and identify the socio-demographic and obstetric factors associated with it in a tertiary care hospital in Telangana, India. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over two years [September 2022-August 2024] among 400 postpartum women. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS] was used with a cut-off score of >12 to diagnose PPD. Data on sociodemographic details, obstetric history, and psychosocial factors were collected via a proforma and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Chi-square tests were applied to find associations. Results: The prevalence of PPD was 15.5%. Statistically significant associations [p<0.05] were found between PPD and factors such as maternal age [highest in ≥30 years, 50%], occupation [working women, 24.1%], lower socioeconomic status, history of previous pregnancy loss [55.6%], unwanted pregnancy [63.6%], complications during pregnancy [35.5%] and delivery [53.3%], pressure for a male child [51.5%], poor relationship with husband [69.2%] and in laws [61.5%], domestic abuse [61.5%], lack of family support [42.1%], family history of psychiatric illness [42.9%], and recent stressful life events [50%]. Conclusion: The study confirms a high prevalence of PPD, underpinned by a complex interplay of psychosocial and obstetric risk factors. Early screening using EPDS during postnatal visits and targeted interventions addressing modifiable risk factors like family support and domestic violence are crucial for prevention and management.