Exploring Postpartum Depression among Mothers in Dhaka's Slum Areas: A Qualitative Study

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major public health problem, especially in low-income communities with inadequate access to mental health care. This study investigates the incidence, experiences, and risk factors for postpartum depression among mothers in Dhaka's slum regions. Using a qualitative technique, we conducted in-depth interviews with 31 mothers aged 18 to 35 who had recently given birth and lived in various Dhaka slum neighborhoods. Interviews centered on their emotional well-being, social support networks, and impediments to mental health care. Thematic analysis identified a number of important variables that contribute to PPD, including as limited access to healthcare services, financial stress, marital abuse, and a lack of social support. The problem was made worse by the cultural stigma associated with mental health and parenting, which discouraged many mothers from getting treatment. Many participants said they felt alone, overburdened, and guilty of their emotional problems; others didn't know that their sensations may be connected to a health issue. The results highlight the need for community-based support networks and focused mental health interventions to address the particular difficulties experienced by new moms in urban slums. This study underlines the need of integrating mental health services into maternity healthcare in resource-constrained settings to promote overall maternal wellbeing and minimize the burden of postpartum depression.