Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depressive Symptoms among Parents

A BSTRACT Background: The period after childbirth is well-known for raising the likelihood of mental disorders, such as postpartum depression (PPD), not only in mothers but also in fathers. PPD is an emerging global health issue due to its profound impact on the health of parents, the baby, and the overall functioning of the family unit. While PPD is often associated with mothers, it can indeed affect fathers as well. Research indicates that around 10% of fathers experience PPD after the birth of a child. Aim: The study aimed to assess the prevalence and the risk factors of postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) among parents visiting the outpatient department of a selected hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive research study. A total of 235 pairs of postpartum parents (6 weeks to 6 months) were selected using the purposive sampling method. The English and Malayalam versions of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory-Revised (PDPI-R) scales were administered. Results: With regard to the prevalence of PPDS among mothers, 6% had an EPDS score ≥13, indicating the presence of PPDS, whereas no fathers scored > 13. Thoughts of self-harm were reported by 1.3% of fathers and 4.3% of mothers. Low socioeconomic status, prenatal depression, prenatal anxiety, unwanted pregnancy and life stress were identified as predictive risk factors among these parents. Conclusions: The postpartum depressive symptom score was found to be lower in fathers compared to mothers. This study provides further insights to understand the importance of early detection and counseling interventions for parents and their families to reduce the incidence of PPD and mitigate its adverse effects on children.