A Survey: Postnatal Depression in Mothers from Selected Areas of Pune City

Abstract

Background: Postnatal depression not only affects the mothers, but also affects the children. The physical and psychological health of the child is affected the most.  The physical effect of postnatal depression on the child is low birth weight, underweight child, and psychological problems consist of cognitive developmental problems, antisocial behaviour and emotional problems in children.

Objective: The study aimed to assess the occurrence of postnatal depression among just delivered mothers in selected areas of Pune city.

Methodology: This study was done in nominated parts of Pune, India. As per World Health organization, the postnatal period is the phase which begins after one hour post-delivery and lasts until week 6 .¹⁰ In present study, all mothers were selected regardless of their area of residence who had delivered and have finished 45 days since their last delivery. Interview was taken at their homes. Consent form was filled by all the participants.

Results: 100 postnatal women participated in the study. Mean age of the study participants was 25.5 years. 96.6 deliveries were conducted in hospitals. The incidence of postnatal depression among the mothers was 14%. Around 6.5% of mothers had taken treatment for any kind of illness.

Conclusion: The study indicates that the occurrence of postnatal depression among new mothers is more.