A study to determine the prevalence of postpartum depression among postnatal mothers at Venkatachalam Village, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Mood disturbance represents the most frequent from of maternal psychiatric morbidity in the postpartum period. Maternal sadness affects approximately 50-80% of women in the puerperal period with about 20% of those women developing postpartum depression. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of postpartum depression among postnatal mothers. Objectives: 1. To determine the prevalence of postpartum depression among postnatal mothers. 2. To associate the prevalence of postpartum depression among postnatal mothers with their selected socio demographic variables. Methodology: 100 postnatal mothers living in Venkatachalam Village, Nellore were selected by using Non-probability convenience sampling method. Results: Regarding the prevalence of postpartum depression, among 100 samples, 52(52%) had no depression, 30 (30%) had mild depression and 18 (18%) had moderate depression and no one had severe depression.