A Study of Postpartum Depression Among Mothers from an Urban City in India

Abstract

Background- Mental illnesses were the second most prevalent cause of disease burden globally in 2017 and the sixth most common reason of disability adjusted life years (DALYs). This presented a significant challenge to health systems in less or middle-income countries.

Objectives- The purpose of the study was to determine how common postpartum depression was in urban field practice settings. Additionally, the sociodemographic characteristics of the research participants were examined.

Materials and Methods- In Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, at the Hi-Tech Medical College and Hospital, a cross-sectional study was carried out. The research lasted for six months. In all, 66 patients participated in this trial. Every postpartum woman living in an urban field practice area participated in the study. Mothers who consented to participate in the trial and all mothers within a year of giving birth were the study. Participants who refused to take part in the trial, postpartum moms with other medical conditions, and moms with a medication-treated diagnosis of postpartum psychosis were also excluded.

Results- Twenty-four (36.4%) of the ladies were in the 20–30 age range, while twenty-three (34.8%) were in the 31–40 age range. Only 08 (12.1%) of participants were in the age of more than 40 years. It has been observed that support from the husband in a group of women with depression was present in 11 (68.7%) of participants. And family support in the women with depression was seen in 09 (56.2%) of participants.

Conclusion- Postpartum depression has been found to be substantially correlated with the following factors: maternal age, lower socioeconomic position, unintended pregnancy, domestic violence, lack of support from the husband and family, lower segment cesarean section (LSCS), the female newborn, and pressure to have a boy.