Postpartum depression and its associated factors: A cross-sectional observational study at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health disorder affecting women during the postnatal period and has significant consequences for maternal wellbeing, infant care, and family functioning [1, 2]. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of postpartum depression and to assess its association with sociodemographic and obstetric factors among postnatal women attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 200 postnatal women attending the postnatal outpatient department between 6 and 16 weeks postpartum. Postpartum depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), a validated screening tool [4]. Sociodemographic details, obstetric history, and pregnancy-related complications were analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of postpartum depression was 22%. Cesarean section, pregnancy-related complications, previous lower-segment cesarean section, fetal distress, and gestational diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with postpartum depression on univariate analysis. Conclusion: Postpartum depression is common among postnatal women attending tertiary care hospitals. Routine screening during postnatal visits is recommended.