Prevalence of postpartum depression among Filipino mothers seen at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Inc. (UERMMMCI) from 2012-2013: A descriptive study

ABSTRACT

@#<p style="text-align justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> This paper sought to describe the prevalence rate of postpartum depression in patients seen for follow-up at the UERMMMCI Obstetrics and Gynecology Services from June 01, 2012 to May 31, 2013.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>METHODOLOGY:</strong> Participants of the study included mothers who sought consult at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Service of the UERMMMCI  Outpatient Department after giving birth. These participants were recruited via convenience sampling. A survey method was used to determine variables under study, which included age, relational status and length of relationship, occupation, income, presence of feto-maternal complications, and manner of delivery, while the Filipino version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to screen depression risk. Ethics approval was secured prior to study initiation. Analysis of data was done using SPSS v.16.0.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> A total of fifty-one mothers participated in the study. Of the total sample, the majority were of adult age and were unemployed. It was observed that 20% of the sample had an EPDS of 10 and above, with 6% having an EPDS score of 14 and above. Mothers who presented with higher EPDS scores were noted to have had a caesarean section delivery and feto-maternal complications after delivery.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> The study showed that the prevalence of post partum depression was clinically significant to warrant routine screening among mothers.</p>