Table of Content Details

Abstract

Background: Perinatal depression (PND), a prevalent mood disorder among pregnant
women and new mothers, exerts profound effects on mothers and impacts the development
of their children. It significantly contributes to maternal and infant morbidity worldwide.
Investigating the risk factors and prevalence of PND is essential for implementing effective
interventions that can mitigate its adverse effects on maternal health.
Objectives: The primary objective of this study included reporting the incidence of
depression among antenatal and postnatal women receiving obstetric care at a tertiary
maternity hospital. Secondary objectives included identifying associated risk factors and
outlining potential management strategies for PND.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional design was used for the study. The total sample
consisted of 174 women, including 95 in the antenatal period and 79 in the postnatal
period, undergoing obstetric care at Cloudnine Hospitals, Bangalore, India. They were
evaluated for PND using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). Descriptive
statistics were employed to analyze the data.
Results: The median scores for depression on EPDS were 9 and 10 for the antenatal and
postnatal groups, respectively, with a prevalence rate of 22%. Statistical analysis revealed no
significant differences in depression incidence between the two groups (p<0.55). However,
maternal age and previous mental health concerns emerged as significant risk factors for
PND.
Conclusion: Despite previous indications of variance in depression incidence between
antenatal and postnatal women, our findings show no significant differences between these
two groups. Healthcare providers must prioritize the identification and management of
PND to enhance outcomes for both mothers and children.

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