Assessment of Postnatal Depression among mothers following delivery in rural area of Wardha District: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Postnatal depression represents a considerable health problem affecting women and their families.  Recent studies, shows postnatal depression have a substantial impact on mother–baby interactions, longer-term emotional and cognitive development of the baby, especially when depression occurs in the first postnatal year of life. It is now considered a major health concern for women from diverse cultures.

Objectives: To find out prevalence of postnatal depression among mothers following delivery and to study factors responsible among participants.

Methods: Community based cross-sectional study conducted in Seloo village, which is field practice area of Jawaharlal Nehru medical college, Wardha. Mothers were interviewed using EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and Multidimensional scale questionnaire with cut of score of 12 for EPDS

Results: 24% of mothers were found to be chronically depressed at 6 months after childbirth with mean age 24.34 years and 53% have monthly income less than 5000 rupees. Economic deprivation and poor marital relationships were important risk factors for the occurrence and chronicity of depression.

Conclusion: Analyses show that there is a strong interaction among many risk factors, such as economic deprivation, and the infant’s gender.

 

Keywords: Postnatal Depression, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, women’s health