A Cross-Sectional Study Elucidating Associated Predictors in  Postpartum Depression among Pakistani Women

Zulfiqar, Shumaila; Tariq, Zahra; Adnan, Hafsa; Anjum, Iram

doi:10.53560/ppasb(60-1)776

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…The prevalence rate of PPD in Pakistan ranges from 28% to 63%, making it the highest among Asian countries ( Aliani & Khowaja, 2017 ). A recent study showed a 67.96% prevalence of PPD in Pakistan ( Zulfiqar et al, 2023 ), which is approximately four times higher than the worldwide prevalence rates. This can be attributed to several factors such as cultural norms (responsibility for household chores prioritized over own well-being, joint family system, postpartum customs), gender inequality, the stigma surrounding mental health, and socioeconomic factors such as poverty and limited access to healthcare services ( Gulamani, Shaikh & Chagani, 2013 ; Rahman, 2007 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Treatment gap and barriers to access mental healthcare among women with postpartum depression symptoms in Pakistan

Sajjad,

Shah,

Abbas

et al. 2024

PeerJ

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Background and Objectives Postpartum depression (PPD) is prevalent among women after childbirth, but accessing mental healthcare for PPD is challenging. This study aimed to assess the treatment gap and barriers to mental healthcare access for women with PPD symptoms living in Punjab, Pakistan. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in five populous cities of Punjab from January to June 2023 by administering the questionnaire to the women using stratified random sampling. A total of 3,220 women in first 6 months postpartum were screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Of them, 1,503 women scored thirteen or above, indicating potential depressive disorder. Interviews were conducted to explore help-seeking behavior and barriers to accessing mental healthcare. Descriptive statistics along with nonparametric tests (e.g., Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U) were used and group differences were examined. Scatter plot matrices with fitted lines were used to explore associations between variables. Classification and regression tree methods were used to classify the importance and contribution of different variables for the intensity of PPD. Results Only 2% of women (n = 33) with high PPD symptoms sought mental healthcare, and merely 5% of women (n = 75) had been in contact with a health service since the onset of their symptoms. 92.80% of women with PPD symptoms did not seek any medical attention. The majority of women, 1,215 (81%), perceived the need for mental health treatment; however, 91.23% of them did not seek treatment from healthcare services. Women who recently gave birth to a female child had higher mean depression scores compared to those who gave birth to a male child. Age, education, and birth location of newborn were significantly associated (p < 0.005) with mean barrier scores, mean social support scores, mean depression scores and treatment gap. The results of classification and regression decision tree model showed that instrumental barrier scores are the most important in predicting mean PPD scores. Conclusion Women with PPD symptoms encountered considerable treatment gap and barriers to access mental health care. Integration of mental health services into obstetric care as well as PPD screening in public and private hospitals of Punjab, Pakistan is critically needed to overcome the treatment gap and barriers.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Treatment gap and barriers to access mental healthcare among women with postpartum depression symptoms in Pakistan

Sajjad,

Shah,

Abbas

et al. 2024

PeerJ

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“…Social support, encompassing emotional, instrumental, and informational assistance from one's social network, is pivotal in shaping the postpartum experience. The cultural context significantly influences the nature and availability of social support, impacting how women navigate the challenges of PPD (Zulfiqar et al, 2023). The intricacies of social relationships, family structures, and community norms in Pakistan contribute to a unique landscape for examining the intersection of postpartum depression and social support (Sabiha et al, 2022).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Postpartum Depression and Social Support: A Cross-Cultural Analysis of the Pakistani Population

ISMAIL,

DAR,

JAFFRI

et al. 2024

Biol Clin Sci Res J

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The study investigates the prevalence of depression among pregnant women and its association with demographic, maternal, and socioeconomic characteristics. Participants were recruited for a year from healthcare facilities from Rural Health Center Kangra, District Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ayesha Sakeena Medical Complex, Raiwind, Lahore, Creek General Hospital, Korangi, Karachi and Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023. Among 374 women screened for depression, 39.03% screened positive, with a final sample of 179 pregnant women analyzed. Participants, predominantly aged 21-28, were in the second (81%) or third (19%) trimester. Maternal depression (64%) was linked to factors like inadequate income, lack of empowerment, poor wealth index, family debt, and insufficient funds for food. Socioeconomic challenges, coupled with inadequate social support and extensive household responsibilities, contribute to the complex landscape of maternal depression. Comprehensive interventions addressing economic hardships, mental health support, and social networks are crucial for improving maternal well-being during pregnancy.

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A Cross-Sectional Study Elucidating Associated Predictors in Postpartum Depression among Pakistani Women

Cited by 2 publications

References 31 publications

Treatment gap and barriers to access mental healthcare among women with postpartum depression symptoms in Pakistan

Treatment gap and barriers to access mental healthcare among women with postpartum depression symptoms in Pakistan

Postpartum Depression and Social Support: A Cross-Cultural Analysis of the Pakistani Population

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