Assessment of Postnatal Depression by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh

The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of post partum depression and its associated risk factors among the mothers in their immediate post natal period. This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and a tertiary care centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2015 to December 2015. Total 145 post natal mothers were screened for postnatal depression from day 5-7 following caesarean section by the validated Bangla version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. To find out the risk factors for depression baseline data included age, parity, socioeconomic conditions, educational level, and occupation, history of depression, social support, and marital support, gestational age at the time of delivery, weight and sex of the baby. Postpartum depression was noted among 12.4% cases. Maternal age, history of depression, lack of social support was found to be significantly associated with maternal depression. This small study reflected the facts that many of the postnatal mothers of our circumstances suffer from postpartum depression and needs medical attention. Screening of postpartum depression can be considered as a routine part of postpartum care.