Prevalence, Knowledge and Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression in Western Nepal - A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors

  • Sapana Karki school of health and allied science, pokhara university, Nepal
  • Shila Gurung

Keywords:

EPDS, Nepal, Post-partum depression, Postnatal care in Nepal, Depression in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression(PPD)can be defined as nonpsychotic depression occurring within a year after childbirth, characterized by low mood, unusual thoughts, feeling of guilt, unexplained anxiety, worthlessness, and other depressive symptoms. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence, knowledge and risk factors of postpartum disorder.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 217 postpartum mothers in the outpatient department of psychiatry of a tertiary care hospital using the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale(EPDS). All the patients enrolled were directly interviewed using a structured questionnaire to identify the associated risk factors of
postpartum depression. The data collected were checked for validity and analyzed using S.P.S. version 16.0.

Results: Out of 217 patients, five women were found to have an EPDS (Edinburgh postnatal depression scale) score greater than 10. The prevalence of postpartum depression was found to be 2.3%. Upon evaluation of knowledge about postpartum depression, 90.3% of women were found to have a poor level of knowledge and 8.8% had a good knowledge level. The statistically significant factors associated with postpartum depression were the lack of support from family and partners (p<0.005).

Conclusion: There was a comparatively low prevalence of P.P.D. in Western Nepal. Majority of the mothers (90.3%) were found not aware of P.P.D. The present study concluded on the need for educational intervention among the mothers regarding P.P.D. in Western Nepal.

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Published

2021-11-22

How to Cite

Karki, S., & Gurung, S. (2021). Prevalence, Knowledge and Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression in Western Nepal - A Cross-Sectional Study. Europasian Journal of Medical Sciences, 3(1), 18–23. Retrieved from https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/ejms/article/view/39254