PREVALENCE OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AMONG PAKISTANI WOMEN AT PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITALS: A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Post-Partum Depression (PPD), is characterized by a number of symptoms that can cause clinically significant distress or impaired Psychological function, such as depression, psychomotor disturbance, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts in mothers who give birth to the child, first appears within the first 4 weeks of birth (one month), and it often peaks in severity within the first six months.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the level of postpartum depression among Pakistani women.

Material and Methods: A cross sectional descriptive research study design was used to determine the level of postpartum depression among Pakistani women at two public sector hospitals from December, 2024 to February, 2025. Sample size was calculated by using PASS 2021 version 21.0.3 and the calculated sample size was 375. Convenient sampling technique was used to collect the data. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), questionnaire with demographic portion was introduced to the patients after written informed consent and ethical institutional approvals. All the women included in the study who gave birth to alive child within 40 days periods and women were excluded who previous history of taking psychotic and endocrine medication and who gave birth to dead child.

Results: The current research findings indicate that a significant majority (77%), experienced postpartum depression, while only (23%) did not report symptoms of depression.

Conclusion: The study's findings concluded that higher level of postpartum depression found among women which affects their mental and physical health.