Postpartum Depression among Mothers in a Maternity Hospital Kathmandu, Nepal: A Mixed Method Approach

Postpartum depression, a significant global concern yet a neglected domain that could have dire outcomes for both mother and children. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of postpartum depression among mothers in the Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital & explore the experiences of undergoing pregnancy and post-partum melancholy.

A cross-sectional descriptive study with a mixed method approach and consecutive enumeration of sampling units were done among participants at a maternity hospital, within the study period from July to December, 2023 after obtaining ethical approval (Reg no: 63/1992). Data collection was done through in-depth interviews for the qualitative part among the six respondents and self-administrative questionnaires were opted for the quantitative part among all the respondents.

Among the 271 respondents, 203 (74.87%) fall within the 20-30 age range. Among them, 33 (12.24%) mothers experienced post-partum depression. Pregnancy and postpartum experiences were complex, with physical and mental challenges. Women often endured painful pregnancies, including excessive vomiting and pain. Mothers lacked support from family and spouses, impeding daily life and newborn care. Traditional superstitions often trumped medical advice, leading to confusion and risks. Despite challenges, some developed coping mechanisms, like self-counselling and community support.

The study highlights the importance of pre-pregnancy assessment and depression screening for postpartum care. Social support is crucial, necessitating holistic support with education, mental health services, and destigmatization efforts for postpartum struggles.