Postpartum Depression and Its Public Health Implications: A Study in Urban Karachi

Hina Murtaza; Chooni Lal; Darshana kumari; Murtaza Ali Gova

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v6i6.1821

Authors

Hina Murtaza Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi, Pakistan
Chooni Lal Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi, Pakistan
Darshana kumari Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi, Pakistan
Murtaza Ali Gova National Institute of Child Health Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v6i6.1821

Keywords:

PPD, Prevalence, Depression. Health, Birth, Women

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common and debilitating mental health disorder that affects women after childbirth, with serious implications for maternal and child health. Objective: To determine the prevalence of postpartum depression and assess its association with socio-demographic, psychological, and obstetric factors among postpartum women at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, from January 2024 to December 2024. A total of 285 postpartum women were included through a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. A structured, pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. It included sections on sociodemographic profile, obstetric and medical history, psychosocial stressors, and availability of family support. Results: The prevalence of probable postpartum depression was found to be 29.1% (n=83). Significant associations were observed between PPD and lack of social support (p<0.001), low educational status (p=0.01), unplanned pregnancy (p=0.004), financial stress (p=0.02), and neonatal illness (p=0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that a lack of social support (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.6–4.9), low education (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.4), and unplanned pregnancy (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.0–2.9) were independent predictors of PPD. Conclusion: It is concluded that postpartum depression is highly prevalent and significantly associated with modifiable psychosocial factors. Routine screening for depression, enhanced social support systems, and integrated maternal mental health services are urgently needed to address this public health concern and improve outcomes for mothers and their children.

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