FREQUENCY OF POSTNATAL DEPRESSION IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Postnatal depression can affect health of among many mothers. Objective: To assess the frequency of depression
among postnatal women in a tertiary care setting of Pakistan.

Methodology: Study Design: Cross Sectional Study. Two hundred and fifty Postnatal women were recruited voluntarily through Gynecology and Obstetrics ward Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan. A structured Proforma was prepared and later screened through 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The results were analyzed through SPSS version 21. Frequency of depression was presented as percentage.

Results: The mean age of the postnatal recruited women was 27.5 years. It was noted that 75 (30%) of the Postnatal women were
depressed; among Primigravida (28%) and Multigravida (30%) have depression. Poverty, lack of social support, female children
only and birth of female child were enlisted as common among the risk factors.

Conclusion: The study showed that one third the mothers have postnatal depression. Hence effective preventive strategy should be opted by the health care professionals for early detection and management. In addition to, awareness, de-stigmatization and vigilant measures should be taken in the community in order to prevent the distress