The burden of postpartum depression and its socio-demographic and obstetric correlates among parturient in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10-15% of women globally and up to 35% in Bangladesh, yet remains under-researched across different healthcare settings. This cross-sectional study aimed to assessed the prevalence and its socio-demographic and obstetric correlates among 540 women attending tertiary, secondary, and primary healthcare centers for routine post-natal care in Bangladesh, 4-12 weeks after delivery. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to screen for PPD (cut-off ≥10), and socio-demographic, reproductive, and obstetric data were collected through structured questionnaires. Logistic regression identified significant predictors of PPD. The prevalence of PPD was 47.78% (95% CI: 43.49-52.09), with 29.07% experiencing major depression (EPDS ≥13). Women engaged in labor work (AOR = 5.17, 95% CI: 1.70-15.70, p = 0.01), having a previous history of depression (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI: 2.17-5.28, p < 0.01), irregular menstruation (AOR = 3.58, 95% CI: 1.39-9.18, p = 0.01), a history of abortion (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.03-2.93, p = 0.03), and complications during pregnancy (AOR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.95-4.50, p < 0.01) were at significantly higher risk of PPD. Furthermore, perceiving pregnancy as average (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.16-3.76, p = 0.01) or difficult (AOR = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.85-6.49, p < 0.01), and delivery as average (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.41-4.47, p < 0.01) or difficult (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.04-3.02, p = 0.03), were also associated with increased risk. These findings highlight that PPD is highly prevalent among Bangladeshi women, with multiple socio-demographic and obstetric risk factors. Integrating EPDS screening into routine postnatal care could enable early detection and timely intervention, thereby improving maternal mental health outcomes.