Associated Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression Presenting at a Teaching Hospital

Introduction:   Post partum depression is defined as occurrence of at least five of the following symptoms for at least two weeks during the peurperium. Objectives:   To determine the frequency and associated sociodemographic and obstetrics factors for postpartum depression (PPD) in an outpatient sample in rural areas of Mirpurkhas, Sindh, Pakistan. Study Design:  This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods:   The study was conducted in the outpatient department (OPD) at 6 - 8 weeks postpartum, of Obs-tetrics and Gynecology (OBG) unit-I from 1 st January 2008 to 31 st December 2009 at Muhammad Medical College Mirpur-khas. They were screened for PPD with the help of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Inclusion Criteria: All patients presenting in OPD at 6 - 8 weeks post partum. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with severe medical disorders. Result:   A total of 41.0 participants, or 41.0% of a sample of 100 women suffered from PPD. The demographic profile of depressed patients showed that they were young (mean age 26.22 ± 4.31 years). Previous PPD, marital dissatisfaction; joint family structure, domestic violence, lower socioeconomical and house wives were significantly higher (p < 0.05) among women with high score on the EPDS. Discussion:   Women with positive test who have risk factors may need more detailed assessment program. Since PPD had adverse consequences for the mother and her new born baby, there was an urgent need to direct more attention to this prob-lem, in particular towards its early detection, so that morbidity could be reduced in this group of women. Key Words:   Postpartum depression, Edinburgh postnatal depression scale, Risk f act ors.