Prevalence of Postpartum Depression and its Risk Factors among Pakistani Females

Abstract

Background: A severe form of clinical depression is related to pregnancy and childbirth. As a new mom, a lot of challenges are encountered in getting used to life with a newborn including lack of sleep. Hormonal changes and fatigue may lead towards psychological maladjustment towards motherhood. Low socioeconomic status, family system, mode of delivery, ill health of infant may be the reasons behind postpartum depression.

Objective: To study the prevalence of postpartum depression among females.

Method: This Cross sectional study was conducted after ethical approval on a sample of 200 females of reproductive age (20-45years). Participants were selected through convenient random sampling on the basis of predefined eligibility criteria. Data were collected from primary and secondary healthcare facilities of district Sialkot using Edinburg postnatal depression screening tool.

Results: The mean age±Std Dev of the participants was 28.09±5.346 years ranging from 20 to 45. Mean±SD of total score EPDS was found 3.53±5.72 with 87.50% participants with score below 13. Out of 200, 25(12.50%) females were candidates for postpartum depression.

Conclusion: Postpartum depression screening helps recognition of the disorder. Postpartum depression among females of the target population is not negligible.