A Study of Postpartum Depression Amongst Women Delivered at Tertiary Care Center Jaipur

Background: Gestation and the postpartum phase are regarded as critical intervals for the onset of mental health issues. This research sought to identify the burden and socio-demographic, obstetric, and pregnancy outcome factors of postpartum depression (PPD) among women after childbirth in a tertiary care facility in Jaipur. Material and Methods: This investigation was carried out as a facility-oriented cross-sectional observational study on all successive postpartum women who presented for follow-up within six weeks post-delivery at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Govt RDBP Jaipuria Hospital, RUHS-CMS, Jaipur, throughout the study duration from July 2024 to December 2024. Detailed history was obtained and EPDS scale was used to assess PPD. Results: Approximately 16.5% of women were susceptible to postpartum depression (PPD), and we identified a notable correlation between PPD and factors such as low maternal education, nuclear family structure, overcrowding, and women with many daughters, fewer male offspring, and a preference for male children. Additionally, maternal complications during gestation and childbirth, a background of psychiatric disorders, lack of strong emotional connection with a partner, spousal alcohol dependency, maternal alcohol consumption, absence of support from in-laws, and strained relations with in-laws were significantly correlated with an increased risk of postpartum depression in our research (p<0.05). Conclusion: Nearly 25% of women are susceptible to PPD. The following factors were found to be statistically significantly associated with the risk of PPD: low women's education level; nuclear family structure; overcrowding; more live girls than male children; sex preference; complications during pregnancy or delivery; personal history of psychiatric illness; lack of closeness to the partner; alcohol use by the husband or wife; unsatisfactory relationship with in-laws; and lack of support from in-laws.

Keywords: Postpartum depression, psychological factors, sex preference, risk factors, alcohol, girl child.