Prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression in mothers attending child immunization clinic of a Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum depression is a major health problem in developing countries like Nepal. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression in Nepalese women.

Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital during the month of January-May 2018. A total number of 162 women in 4 to 14 weeks postpartum period were included in the study. A questionnaire with sociodemographic, obstretic and psychosocial variable as well as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used for data collection. Chi square test was used to determine the association of postpartum depression with different variables.

Results: The prevalence of postpartum depression (defined as Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale ≥12) was found to be 22.2 %. There was a statistically significant association of postpartum depression with nuclear family, low family income, cesarean section delivery, history of miscarriage, pregnancy complications and exposure to domestic violence.

Conclusion: There is high prevalence of postpartum depression among women in our settings. It is important to educate the women and their family about the outcomes of postpartum depression.