Prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression

Background: People in Pakistan do not take postpartum depression as a serious disease, and in Pakistan limited data is available on postpartum depression. The purpose of this study was to find out the prevalence and risk factors associated with postpartum depression. Objectives: To find out the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Al Nafees Medical College and Hospital. 400 participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited in the study. A self-structured questionnaire was used for demographic details and for risk factors. Beck's inventory depression questionnaire was used as a standard scale. Results: Out of 400 participants, 95 (23.75%) of the participants showed mild mood disturbance ranging from 11 to 16. 43 (10.75%) of the participants showed borderline clinical depression from 17-20. 45 (11.25%) of the participants showed moderate depression ranging from 21 to 30. 21 (5.25%) showed severe depression ranging from 31 to 40. 13 (3.25%) of the participants showed extreme depression ranging over 40. The mean age of the participants was 28.06 from 18 to 45 years. The major risk factors responsible for the effect are previous history of depression (10.635%), infants with anomaly (2.122%), any co-morbidity in mother (1.409%), baby aged below 5 months(1.049%). Conclusion: The study concluded that, majority of the participants has postpartum depression. The major risk factors that can affect the results are previous history of depression, gestational diabetes and any anomaly (infant).