A Survey on the Postpartum Depression Among Young Mothers in Kerala, India

Abstract

The increase in the number of cases of Postpartum Depression (PPD) in Kerala increases day by day. This makes a study on the awareness of PPD significant in this scenario. There are not many studies conducted on this area particularly a survey collecting details from young mothers. This study tries to quantify the awareness women in Kerala have about PPD and it also covers how they tackled the issue – various methods used by them to cope up with the issue. The study is conducted using an online-survey method. A prepared questionnaire is circulated online among 150 young mothers who were born and brought up in Kerala. The questionnaire consists of 8 questions about PPD and baby blues. Each question is provided with options from which the participants can choose one. The results of the survey are analysed to arrive in a conclusion. There was active participation from the side of the participants. The interpretation of the statistical data shows that even though most of the participants faced symptoms of Postpartum Depression, and 35.9% of the participants faced difficulty in bonding with the baby, only negligible percentage of them went to seek medical help. The results show that the percentage of participants who are well aware of PPD is very low. The study helped to interpret the situation in Kerala as far as PPD is considered. The study brought to light that Postpartum Depression in Kerala is an unaddressed issue and much attention and activities are needed to make changes in the current scenario. Most of the women who suffer PPD are reluctant to seek medical help. This situation has to be changed through proper campaigns and other related activities. As this study deals with a prevalent problem in the society it is significant in every aspect. This study prompts researchers to delve deeply in to the problems faced by women related to child birth and pregnancy and find out new ways to reduce the stigma associated with problems like Postpartum Depression.