Anxiety and Depression amongst the urban females of Delhi in Ante-partum and Post-partum period.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To assess and compare the prevalence of anxiety and depression during and after pregnancy. Methodology: This cross sectional study was done in an inpatient setting in Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in a tertiary level multi-specialty hospital in Delhi, India over a period of nine months.Two groups of women were studied. Group 1 sample included all pregnant women in last trimester awaiting delivery and Group 2 included the women in postpartum period (4-12 weeks after childbirth). Hospital Anxiety & Depression scale (HADS) was used to assess anxiety & depressive symptoms. Results: Of the 100 women included, 59% were awaiting delivery and 41% were in postpartum. The mean age was 23.87 years (SD 3.19), and both the groups were comparable on socio-demographic parameters. Of currently pregnant women 27% & 17% scored above cut-off on anxiety and depression scale respectively while amongst postpartum females 17% scored above cut-off on anxiety and depression scales. Both groups differed significantly (p<0.05) on the total HADS score and Anxiety subscale scores of HADS. There was no significant difference amongst the groups on Depression subscale scores. Conclusions: Prevalence of anxiety and depression is high amongst women during antepartum and postpartum periods. Pregnant women experience more anxiety during ante partum period as compared to post partum period and most of them are not being monitored during this time.