A cross- sectional study to assess the prevalence & certain associated risk factors for postpartum depression in women in a tertiary care hospital.

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common complication after delivery and may lead mothers to be inconsistent with childcare and may even progress to negative events. If diagnosed early it can be treated with support, medication etc. & prevented by screening for depression. The study was carried out to find the prevalence of postpartum depression in women and to identify & establish the associated risk factors involved. Methods: Cross sectional study on women in first week of postpartum period. Data was obtained by interviewing the mothers using a structured questionnaire, which included socio-demographic details. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to identify patients at risk for PPD. Questions were translated into Konkani according to local needs & validated by pilot study. Results: Study revealed 18.25% prevalence of PPD and significantly associated with relationship with In-laws, outcome of immediate previous & present delivery, neonatal complications in immediate previous pregnancy, which could be identified as potential risk factors. Conclusion: As postpartum depression can put the mother and child to certain risks, it is important that women are screened for PPD. Social support and interventions including counseling, various supportive interactions during the pregnancy can help in preventing PPD. This is an essential area of research that needs to be further developed in order to guide policy and clinical practice.