Prevalence And Social Factors Associated With Postpartum Depression In Urban Areas Of Pakistan: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: A type of mental sickness known as postpartum depression (PPD), which affects some women after giving birth, is characterized by feelings of melancholy, anxiety, and weariness that can interfere with day-to-day activities and the ability to form attachments with the infant. The social and cognitive development of the infant is said to suffer from PPD. In multiethnic urban areas in Pakistan, this study sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors for postpartum depression.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in various parts of Pakistan, and information from 126 women who lived in urban areas, was gathered. To gauge postpartum depression, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was utilized, and a cut-off score of 13 was chosen to separate depressed from non-depressed women.

Results: PPD was shown to be 41.27% prevalent among urban women. Lack of social support from the husband, lack of social support from in-laws, lack of knowledge, difficulty in handling the baby, social conflicts, and lack of postpartum support were some of the causes of PPD.

Conclusion: In Pakistan, where postpartum depression is a severe public health concern and frequently goes unreported due to cultural stigmas, this study emphasizes the value of early detection and care for Pakistani urban women at risk of developing the condition. During postpartum visits, healthcare providers should frequently screen new mothers for depression and utilize instruments like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to identify those experiencing symptoms. A complete approach to addressing this issue must include strengthening social support, expanding access to mental health services, and teaching medical staff how to identify and treat postpartum depression.

Keywords: Postpartum Depression, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Urban Population, Mental Health, Social Support, Public Health.