Postpartum Depression and its Associated Factors: A Community-based Study in Nepal

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10-15% of women globally within the first year after childbirth.
• PPD duration and severity are linked to treatment initiation and intervention.
• This study investigated PPD prevalence and associated factors in postpartum women in Godavari municipality, Nepal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of postpartum depression.
• To identify factors associated with postpartum depression in the study population.

Main Methods:

• A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted.
• The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to screen 195 mothers within six months postpartum.
• Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were employed to determine associations.

Main Results:

• 19% (37 out of 195) of postpartum women exhibited symptoms of depression.
• 2.1% of depressed women reported suicidal ideation.
• Significant associations were found between PPD and education, occupation, pregnancy intent, family support, and pregnancy complications (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Approximately one-fifth of postpartum women experience depression, indicating a substantial public health concern.
• Socioeconomic factors, including education and economic status, are closely linked to PPD.
• Improving women's education and economic status, ensuring supportive family care, and facilitating early diagnosis and management of health issues can mitigate PPD.