An analytical study of contributory factors of postpartum depression among women in Punjab, Pakistan

Objective: To investigate the contributory factors of postpartum depression among women in Punjab. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas of Faisalabad District. Four hundred postpartum mothers' age 15-44 years having babies under one year were selected through multistage sampling technique and data were collected through well designed interview schedule. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to check the level of postpartum depression. Data were analyzed through univariate and bivariate analyses by using SPSS. Results: Out of 400 women, 163(41%) had postpartum depression. Obstetric factors, including the number of abortions, pregnancy complications (anemia, stomachaches, vomiting, high/low blood pressure, viginal bleeding) and delivery complications (premature birth, difficult labor, postpartum hemorrhage) increased the risk of developing postpartum depression. Violence (verbal/physical), stressful life events and low level of social support were also identified as the strong predictors in increasing the prevalence of postpartum depression. Conclusion: Most of the mothers had major symptoms of depression in their postpartum period. It is recommended that there is a massive need for counseling and proper medication whenever a mother feel fatigue, sadness, anxiety or stress in the antenatal and postpartum period.