Postpartum Depression and its Associated Factors: A Community-based Study in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression is a type of mental disorder associated with childbirth during pregnancy or within the first postpartum year. It is reported as a common psychological health problem affecting 10-15% of women worldwide. The duration of postpartum depression frequently depends on its severity and the time of initiation of treatment. This study assessed depression and its associated factors among postpartum period women of Godavari municipality, Lalitpur, Nepal.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using Edinburg Postpartum Depression Scale among 195 mothers who were within six months of the postpartum period. The chi-square and logistic regression were applied to establish the association between postpartum depression and associated factors. Results: Out of the total 195 postpartum women, 37(19%) women suffered from depression and out of those women 2.1% had suicidal thoughts. Among the associated factors, education, occupation, the intent of pregnancy, family support and pregnancy-related problems/complications were found to be significantly associated with Postpartum depression (p<0.05). Conclusions: Nearly one-fifth postpartum women suffered from some type of depression. It is one of the public health concerns which directly or indirectly corresponds to the socio-economic condition of the women. The improved education and economic status of women, intention of pregnancy, family care and support during pregnancy and the postpartum period and early diagnosis and management of health problems could reduce the magnitude of the postpartum depression. Keywords: Associated factors of postpartum depression; edinburg postpartum depression scale; Nepal; postpartum depression.

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“…Thus, the odds of experiencing PPD among respondents who had unplanned pregnancy was 3 times more compared with those women who had planned pregnancy. This result is supported by studies conducted in Ethiopia such as Bahir Dar [ 21 ], Nekemte town [ 22 ], Bench Maji zone, [ 23 ], and southwest Ethiopia [ 26 ], in Kenya [ 49 ], in Nepal [ 56 ], and in Pennsylvania [ 57 ]. This could be due to the fact that pregnancy itself needs physiological, psychological, and financial preparation.…”

Antenatal depression and its associated factors among women of Godawari Municipality, Lalitpur, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

“… 18 In context of this study area, a community-based study from 2017 noted that 19% of postpartum women were depressed in Godawari Municipality, Nepal. 34 Thus, despite the slight variations in the prevalence of maternal depression which might be due to variations in the assessment time, method of assessment and study setting, all of these studies reveal a prominent risk of depression during pregnancy.…”

Prevalence of Postpartum Depression and Associated Predictors Among Taiwanese Women in a Mother-Child Friendly Hospital

“…Risk factors for developing PPD include young maternal age, parity, pregnancy-related problems/complications, previous history of depression and anxiety, existence of anemia, low income, low self-esteem, having a child with health problem, formula feeding, and lack of social support. [4][5][6][7] Furthermore, a literature review of 64 studies from 17 Asian countries highlighted that, in addition to the above-mentioned factors, cultural variables such as traditional postpartum rituals may influence the occurrence of PPD among Asian women. 8 Early identification of at-risk mothers is vital so that timely, tailored counselling and intervention can be implemented.…”