Prevalence and Determinants of Postpartum Depression among women in Magura, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: A major public health concern is postpartum depression (PPD), especially in low-resource environments like Bangladesh. There aren't many studies on postpartum depression prevalence and risk factors in Bangladesh, particularly in specific regions like Magura, despite the disease's detrimental consequences on mother and child health. Methodology: In Magura, Bangladesh, 269 postpartum mothers participated in a cross-sectional study. A consecutive sampling method was used to choose the participants. Women who delivered in the selected hospitals will be recruited one after another based on their delivery time as sequence following taking consent. Prenatal and postpartum depression symptoms, social support, obstetric history, and other relevant risk factors were all assessed through structured interviews and standardized screening instruments including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). After that appropriate statistical techniques were used to analyze the data at SPSS software. Result: In Magura district, 33.1% of postpartum women experience depression, while 66.9% do not. The majority are young (mean age 24.63 years), Muslim (89.6%), housewives (96.7%), and married (100%). Over half completed secondary education (52.8%), with the largest income bracket earning 5000-15000. Regarding pregnancy, 44.2% are primigravida, 79.9% underwent cesarean section, and 18.6% had hypertension. Mood swings were reported by 42.4% during pregnancy, and 34.9% perceive life as stressful post-pregnancy. Only 1.1% reported experiencing intimate partner violence. The study findings reveal a noteworthy correlation between postpartum depression and support received after pregnancy (P < 0.005). Similarly, a significant relationship is observed between postpartum depression and sleeping schedules post-pregnancy (P < 0.005). Conclusion: The study emphasizes the high rate of PPD among women in Magura, Bangladesh, and stresses the significance of addressing the risk factors associated with it by means of focused interventions and all-encompassing programs for maternal health. In order to reduce the prevalence of PPD and enhance maternal mental health and well-being in the area, it is imperative that initiatives be made to enhance education, socioeconomic position, social support networks, marital relationships, prenatal mental health care, and postpartum care services.