Depression Beyond the 6-Month Postpartum Period: A Mixed-Method Study Among Women in Nepal

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Reproductive Health
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant global mental health concern affecting maternal well-being.
• Limited research exists on the specific social and clinical factors contributing to PPD in Nepal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively examine social and clinical factors associated with postpartum depression in Nepalese women.
• To explore women's perspectives and experiences of postpartum mental health in Nepal.

Main Methods:

• An explanatory sequential mixed-method study involving 200 postpartum women (quantitative) and 15 women with high depression scores (qualitative).
• Quantitative data collected via surveys (sociodemographic, perinatal factors, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale).
• Qualitative data gathered through in-depth interviews, analyzed thematically. Findings integrated using joint display and narrative weaving.

Main Results:

• 28% of postpartum women screened positive for depressive symptoms.
• Key contributors to PPD included prenatal mental health issues, infant low birth weight/medical conditions, intimate partner violence, partner substance abuse, and inadequate postpartum social support.

Conclusions:

• Postpartum depression is highly prevalent in Nepal (6-12 months postpartum) and significantly associated with various clinical and social factors.
• Routine screening, early identification, timely treatment, and community-based initiatives are essential for managing PPD and supporting maternal mental health.