EVALUATION OF MENTAL HEALTH IN POSTPARTUM INDIAN WOMEN-A PROSPECTIVE HOSPITAL BASED OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Researchers, doctors, and public health experts are paying more and more attention to postpartum mental illness. Early discovery can result in early treatment and less harmful implications for the patient, her newborn, other children, and spouse, according to researchers and physicians.

Aims: To estimate prevalence of psychiatric disorder in postpartum Indian women.

Materials and method: The present study was a prospective hospital based observational study. This Study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2019 at Tata Main Hospital Jamshedpur. Total 174 patients were included in this study.

Result: Prevalence of PPD was higher among women who had given birth to a girl baby. A higher proportion of women with multiple birth had depression postpartum compared to women who had single birth and women who had delivered by vaginal route had a higher prevalence of depression compared to women delivered by caesarian section(p<.05). In EPDS score, 3 patients had Depressed out of 28 total patients in >/= 1 Still/ neonatal death. Association of postpartum depression with number of children dead (still birth+ neonatal death) prior to present delivery was not statistically significant (p=0.570). In GHQ 12 score, 3 patients had Depressed out of 28 total patients in >/= 1 Still/ neonatal death. Association of postpartum depression with number of children dead (still birth+ neonatal death) prior to present delivery was not statistically significant (p=0.761).

Conclusion: This prospective study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of depression among women during postpartum period and factors leading to it. Considering the adverse fetal outcome and poor maternal well-being of pregnant women with mental morbidity, it is important to include screening and treatment of mental morbidity as a part of routine antenatal care. Majority of women in postpartum period just need reassurance.