A Study On Postnatal Depression Among Mothers Availing Health Services At Government Kasturba Gandhi Hospital, Triplicane, Chennai District, Tamilnadu: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Postpartum Depression (PPD) Is A Common Mental Health Disorder Affecting Women Following Childbirth, With Notable Consequences For Both Mother And Child. It Is Characterized By Persistent Sadness, Emotional Instability, Fatigue, And Impaired Daily Functioning. Unlike The Transient “baby Blues,” PPD Is More Severe And Long-lasting, Requiring Timely Recognition And Intervention. The Condition May Begin During Pregnancy Or Within The First Year After Delivery, Depending On Varying Clinical Definitions. Early Identification And Appropriate Management Are Essential To Reduce Its Impact On Maternal Well-being, Infant Development, And Family Dynamics. The Postpartum Period Is A Critical Phase Marked By Significant Physical, Hormonal, And Psychological Changes In A Woman’s Life. While Many Women Adjust Well, A Considerable Proportion Experience Mental Health Challenges, Among Which Postpartum Depression Is One Of The Most Prevalent. Factors Such As Hormonal Fluctuations, Lack Of Social Support, Stress, And Prior Mental Health Issues Contribute To Its Development. Despite Its Frequency, PPD Often Remains Underdiagnosed Due To Stigma, Lack Of Awareness, And Limited Screening In Routine Care. Addressing Postpartum Depression Is Essential For Improving Maternal Health Outcomes And Ensuring Healthy Child Development. Objectives: To Determine The Prevalence Of Post-Natal Depression Among Mothers In The Outpatient Department Of Kasturba Gandhi Hospital, Triplicane, Chennai-02, Tamil Nadu Methods: A Cross-sectional Study Was Conducted Among 370 Mothers Availing Health Services At Kasturba Gandhi Hospital. After Getting Consent From Them, Questionnaire For Collecting Socio-demographic Details And A Validated Tamil Version (CMC Vellore) Of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Was Used To Screen For Postnatal Depression Among Mothers. Data Was Collected Using Excel And Analysed Using SPSS Version 16. Result: Out Of 372 Participants, 87 Were Found To Have Depression(23.4%). It Was Found That PPD Is Significantly Associated With: Stress, Mental Health Problems And Any Other Comorbidities. Conclusion: The Present Study Reveals A Considerable Prevalence Of Postnatal Depression Among The Study Participants, Emphasizing The Need For Timely Identification And Intervention.

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