Prevalence Of Postpartum Depression Research Articles

Postpartum depression among primigravida mothers in Kabul, Afghanistan

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent mental health issue affecting women post-childbirth, particularly primigravida mothers. This study aims to explore the prevalence and risk factors of PPD among primigravida mothers in Kabul, Afghanistan, a low- and middle-income country with limited research on PPD among primigravida mothers. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, and data were collected from 200 primigravida mothers who gave birth in Rabia Balkhi and Malalai Hospitals in Kabul. A structured questionnaire was utilized to gather data on socio-demographic characteristics, PPD symptoms, and risk factors, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and SPSS. Results: The study findings revealed that 42.5% of the primigravida mothers in Kabul experienced symptoms of PPD according to EPDS scores. This prevalence rate was higher than global estimates and previous studies in high-income countries. Risk factors associated with PPD among primigravida mothers in Kabul included a history of depression or mental health problems (55.5%), job loss or financial difficulties (74.5%), trauma related to natural disasters or war (63%), experiences of physical or verbal abuse (34.5%), lack of social support or feelings of isolation (23%), and difficulties adjusting to motherhood (48.5%). Conclusion: The study highlights the prevalence and risk factors of Postpartum Depression among primigravida mothers in Kabul, Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for interventions to support new mothers' mental health, including prioritizing screening, providing targeted support, and addressing socioeconomic and environmental challenges, through investment in mental health services and public health campaigns.

Postpartum depression-an exploratory mixed method study for developing an indigenous tool

Background and objectiveMotherhood is considered to be a joyous occasion cross-culturally but can bring forth an array of issues including depression. In Asia, Pakistan is dangerously high on the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) with sporadic results ranging from 28 to 63%, which could be due to the use of non-indigenous tools.MethodsAn exploratory study-mixed method design was implied. During phase I mothers in the postpartum phase (up to 12 months) and experts were interviewed, items were generated, and pilot study was conducted. In second phase exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to establish construct validity, convergent and divergent validity was also established.ResultsA pool of 46 items was generated related to postpartum depression, which was reduced to 35 items as per the factor loading of 0.5 in exploratory factor analysis. Psychometric properties of the scale revealed good reliability (Cronbach α = 0.92) and factor structure of the scale. As per exploratory factor analysis five factors were revealed, explaining 58.07% variance, and the model was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. The scale showed significant positive correlation with Edinburgh' postpartum depression scale, depression anxiety and stress scale; establishing convergent validity and significant negative correlation with satisfaction with life scale; establishing divergent validity of the scale.Conclusion and implications for translationQuestionnaire of postpartum depression scale is a reliable and valid tool that can be used to measure postpartum depression in Asian mothers and provide targeted interventions.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of postpartum depression in India: A comprehensive review.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a psychological illness that affects women following delivery. According to the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), PPD is a serious form of depression that begins four weeks following birth and continues for one year. Pregnancy and the period after delivery can be hazardous for women. Mothers undergo significant biological, emotional, financial, and societal changes during this time. Some women are predisposed to mental health disorders such as melancholy and worry. Many postpartum women do not acknowledge the seriousness of their condition, and many depressed mothers go untreated. Untreated PPD is harmful to both the mother and the newborn. The exact cause of PPD is unclear; however, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and childbirth, genetic susceptibility, birth trauma as well as psychosocial and demographic factors may serve as potential risk factors. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors of PPD in India. The review evaluates English language literature on PPD using Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases searched electronically between 2000 and 2022. The keywords "postpartum depression," or "postnatal depression," and "prevalence," and "causes," and "risk factors," or "predisposing factors," or "predictive factors" were used to search the database. The prevalence of PPD varies in different geographical regions and study settings. In India, the overall prevalence of PPD is 22%. However, the greatest prevalence was in the southern regions (26%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 19-32) and the lowest in the northern regions (15%; 95% CI: 10-21). This study outlines the burden of PPD in India. Comprehensive intervention programs should be implemented to address the disease at a national level. The national authorities should incorporate PPD screening in the National Mental Health Program and emphasize health promotion activities.

Mental health in the two years following hypertensive and normotensive pregnancy: The Postpartum, Physiology, Psychology and Paediatric follow-up (P4) cohort study

BackgroundPostpartum mental illnesses and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are both common, and both associated with adverse maternal and child health outcomes. However, the relationship between them is unclear. This study aimed to investigate prevalence and symptom severity of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 2-years postpartum in women with normal blood pressure (NBP) during pregnancy versus preeclampsia or gestational hypertension (GH). MethodsTwo-years follow-up of the prospective Postpartum, Physiology, Psychology and Paediatric (P4) Cohort Study was conducted in metropolitan Australia. Prevalence and symptom severity of depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS > 12), anxiety (7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, GAD-7 ≥ 10) and PTSD (Posttraumatic stress Diagnostic Scale, PDS/PDS-5) were measured and calculated for women with NBP, preeclampsia and GH. ResultsAmong 365 participants (NBP: n = 271, preeclampsia: n = 75, GH: n = 19), 2-years postpartum depression prevalence was 3.9% (95% CI 2.3–6.4%): 4.4% after NBP, and 2.7% after preeclampsia (p = 0.53). Anxiety prevalence was higher after GH than NBP (15.8% versus 3.3%, p = 0.02). Prevalence of any mental illness (depression/anxiety/PTSD) was 5.9% (95% CI 3.8–8.8%); 5.6% after NBP, 4.1% after PE, and 15.8% after GH (p = 0.15). Although PTSD prevalence was low (1.4%), and similar between groups (p = 0.97), around 3 times more women after PE (8.1%), compared to NBP (2.5%), recalled childbirth as traumatic (p = 0.003). ConclusionsPreeclampsia, although associated with persistent perceptions of traumatic childbirth, did not alter the risk of mental illnesses at 2-years postpartum. GH (albeit in a small subgroup) was associated with increased anxiety scores. Larger, multicentre studies are required to clarify relationships between HDP and postpartum mental illness. Trial registrationRetrospectively registered on 18/11/2013 with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Registration Number: ACTRN 12613 00,126 0718.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression Among Women in Low‐Income Developing Rural Areas: A Cross‐Sectional Study in China

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly affects the welfare of mothers, infants, families, and communities. Mothers in rural areas often face low incomes, poor social security, low education levels, and inadequate medical services. These specific cultural, social, and economic aspects have led to a worsening of PPD in rural areas. However, the current situation of PPD among women in rural areas of China is still insufficiently explored.Aim: This study aims to explore the prevalence and risk factors of PPD among women in low‐income developing rural areas of China.Methods: A cross‐sectional design was used in this study. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was applied to evaluate PPD symptoms. General demographic questionnaire, obstetrics‐/pediatrics‐related questionnaire, and psychosocial‐related questionnaire were adopted. Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) was utilized to assess experienced intimate partner violence during pregnancy and postpartum. Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) was utilized to measure their levels of social support.Results: Of the 467 participants, the overall prevalence of PPD among women in rural areas of China was 16.5%, and the average EPDS score was 8.35 (SD = 4.50). PPD occurred most frequently at 7–9 months postpartum (33.8%). Six factors associated with PPD were whether the sex of the baby was in line with the family’s expectations, monthly income of partners, social support, IPV during pregnancy and childbirth, and negative life events in the last 1 year, as well as physical and mental exhaustion from caring for a baby.Conclusions: This study sheds light on the prevalence and various risk factors associated with PPD among women residing in low‐income developing rural areas of China. The findings highlighted the need for targeted interventions and support systems designed to address the specific socioeconomic and cultural difficulties encountered by rural mothers.

The prevalence of postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic among women in Taif city

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) among a sample of Saudi women in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 92 women. A questionnaire was used to collect data about participants\' demographics, medical and obstetric history, feeling about pregnancy and difficult times faced throughout life, perceived bouts of PPD during the COVID-19 pandemic and its causes, family history of depression, social support and PPD awareness. The Arabic version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale (EPD) was used to assess PPD prevalence. Results: Total 54% of studied women had bouts of PPD during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common causes were feeling of danger to oneself and the newborn (37%). Of them, 34.8% and 39.1% had unsupportive husbands and families, respectively. While 87% had PPD based on the EPD scores, only about 48.9% reported being aware of PPD. Married women, who had health problems during pregnancy, who had bouts of PPD during the Corona pandemic 6-12 months prior to taking the questionnaire and who had these bouts because of the feeling of danger to oneself and the newborn had a significantly higher percentage of having PPD. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of PPD among studied women. Social support and screening of mothers after delivery for PPD is needed for early management and intervention.

Postpartum depression and autoimmune disease: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

The rising prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) is harmful to women and families. While there is a growing body of evidence suggesting an association between PPD and autoimmune diseases (ADs), the direction of causality remains uncertain. Therefore, Mendelian randomization (MR) study was employed to investigate the potential causal relationship between the two. This study utilized large-scale genome-wide association study genetic pooled data from two major databases: the IEU OpenGWAS project and the FinnGen databases. The causal analysis methods used inverse variance weighting (IVW). The weighted median, MR-Egger method, MR-PRESSO test, and the leave-one-out sensitivity test have been used to examine the results' robustness, heterogeneity, and horizontal pleiotropy. A total of 23 ADs were investigated in this study. In the IVW model, the MR study showed that PPD increased the risk of type 1 diabetes (OR , = 1.15 (1.05-1.26),p<0.01),Hashimoto's thyroiditis((OR) = 1.21 (1.09-1.34),p<0.0001),encephalitis((OR) = 1.66 (1.06-2.60),p<0.05). Reverse analysis showed that ADs could not genetically PPD. There was no significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy bias in this result. Our study suggests that PPD is a risk factor for type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and encephalitis from a gene perspective, while ADs are not a risk factor for PPD. This finding may provide new insights into prevention and intervention strategies for ADs according to PPD patients.

Prevalence and Related Factors of Postpartum Depression among Jordanian Mothers with a History of COVID-19 during Pregnancy or After Childbirth in a Developing Country.

The magnitude of postpartum depression in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic is under-documented, and little is known about its potential social, demographic, and clinical correlates. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and related factors of postpartum depression among Jordanian mothers with a history of COVID-19 during pregnancy or after childbirth. This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in March-June 2021 among a convenient sample of 109 women with a history of COVID-19 during pregnancy or after childbirth, who were at a leading hospital equipped to care for COVID-19 cases in North Jordan. An online survey using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to collect information from mothers with a history of COVID-19-positive tests. Among the total number of women who participated in the study (n = 109), 73 women had postpartum depression. The prevalence of postpartum depression in the present study was 67%. In addition, the study found a positive statistically significant correlation between EPDS scores and being a smoker, delivery method, experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms, and being hospitalized. During the COVID-19 pandemic, women had a high level of postpartum depression. It would be necessary to follow further the confirmed cases of COVID-19, and mothers should be screened for depressive symptoms during pregnancy and followed up for antenatal and postnatal care.

Mother-infant bonding and postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic - a risk for nurturing care and child development.

The COVID-19 pandemic Increased the risk of impairing the mother-infant bonding. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the early bond established between mother and infant and postpartum depression (PPD) in pregnancies that occurred during the pandemic period, to identify the factors that may have influenced these outcomes and to verify if there was an association between bonding and probable PPD. This is a cross-sectional study of postpartum women from a public maternity hospital in the city of São Paulo conducted from February to June 2021, involving 127 mother-baby dyads. The initial data were collected in the immediate postpartum period and between 21-45 days after birth, using a semi-structured questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, gestational and birth conditions, and baby characteristics; the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) were used to evaluate PPD and bonding, respectively. The presence of probable PPD and unplanned pregnancies were associated with higher PBQ score and risk to impaired bonding (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). EPDS showed a high prevalence of PPD (29.1%) and was not associated with any Studied variable. Probably, this high prevalence of probable PPD was due to the context of insecurity secondary to the pandemic. We observed an increase in the prevalence of probable PPD and unplanned pregnancies during the first 18 months of the pandemic, which were associated with worse scores in mother-infant bonding. The impaired bond can affect the future development of children born during this period.

Comparing the prevalence and influencing factors of postpartum depression in primiparous and multiparous women in China.

Few studies have compared the influencing factors of postpartum depression between primiparous and multiparous women. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of postpartum depression in primiparous and multiparous women, and provide reference suggestions for clinical nursing. A total of 429 postpartum women who gave birth at a Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Shandong Province, China, from April to June 2024, were recruited by convenience sampling. A Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Perceived Social Support Scale were used for investigation. SPSS 26.0 was used to analyze the data, and multivariate regression was employed to analyze the influencing factors of postpartum depression between primiparous and multiparous women. The total prevalence of postpartum depression among 429 postpartum women (191 primiparas and 238 multiparas) was 22.14%. The prevalence of postpartum depression among primiparous and multiparous women were 21.99% and 22.27%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference [OR=1.016, 95% CI (0.642, 1.608)]. Sleep quality is a common protective factor for postpartum depression in both primiparous and multiparous women, while perceived social support is another protective factor for multiparous women. The risk factors are different in both two group, there is no risk factor found in primiparous women, the newborns health and women's expectation on newborns gender are risk factors for postpartum depression in multiparous women. Both primiparous and multiparous women have a high risk of postpartum depression. In order to promote the mental health of postpartum women, precise nursing measures should be adopted for different parity of postpartum women in clinical practice.

Association between disrespect and abuse during labor and the risk of postpartum depression: a cross-sectional study

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between disrespect and abuse during labor and the risk of postpartum depression. This is a cross-sectional study carried out with women from the rural and urban areas of Caxias, Maranhão State, Brazil. Postpartum depression was considered the dependent variable, assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The independent variables were sociodemographic characteristics, mental health history, behavioral aspects, obstetric characteristics and self-perception of disrespect and abuse during labor. Pearson's chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used to assess the association between postpartum depression and disrespect and abuse during labor. A total of 190 women were interviewed. The prevalence of postpartum depression was 16.3%. The occurrence of at least one type of disrespect and abuse during labor was 97.4%, with health system conditions and restrictions predominating (94.7%). More than half of the women (66.3%) suffered two forms of disrespect and abuse during labor, while three or more forms were reported by 22.6%. Suffering two (adjustedOR = 3.01; 95%CI 1.08-8.33) and three or more forms of disrespect and abuse during labor (adjustedOR = 3.41; 95%CI: 1.68-24.40) increased the chance of postpartum depression. There was a significant association between disrespect and abuse during labor and postpartum depression, and dignified and respectful care for women during childbirth were found to reduce the risk of postpartum depression symptoms.

Prevalence of post-partum depression and its association with sociodemographic factors in rural areas of Ambala District

Prevalence of post-partum depression and its association with sociodemographic factors in rural areas of Ambala District

Analysis Of Postpartum Maternal Depression Level In Makassar

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Postpartum depression can negatively impact the health of mothers, children and families. Postpartum depression affects the interaction between mother and baby. Mothers with postpartum depression are more likely to express negative attitudes towards their babies. The breakdown of the mother-infant relationship at an early age has a major impact on a child's development. Globally, the prevalence of postpartum depression in the world varies from 6.5% to 15% during 1 year after delivery. Because of this, depression really needs special attention to psychiatric disorders. The effects of postpartum depression can disrupt intimacy and attachment because depressed mothers are often disinterested in their babies and refuse to breastfeed them. The aim of this research is to determine the level of depression in postpartum mothers and to determine the relationship between respondent characteristics and the level of depression in postpartum pregnant women.&#x0D; The research method used was a quantitative method with a descriptive approach and sample determination using a cluster random sampling technique which took place from 19 May – 30 September. This research was conducted by giving questionnaires containing the EPDS and PSSQ to 200 postpartum mothers.&#x0D; The results of the study were analyzed using frequency analysis and the chi-squere test and it was found that out of 200 respondents only 73 people were not depressed while 147 people were already in the depression category. This proves that the high number of psychological problems experienced by postpartum mothers with their new role as mothers. Psychological changes in the mother can have an impact on the mother and of course on the baby, it is not uncommon for depressed mothers to leave their children alone even in more severe cases if left untreated, where the mother chooses to end her life and that of her baby.

Postpartum Mental Health and Perceptions of Discrimination Among Asian Fathers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to examine the prevalence of postpartum depression and anxiety symptomatology among fathers of Asian descent living in North America during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) to identify the occurrences of online racial discrimination. Using a cross-sectional design and convenience sampling methods, we recruited fathers online via social media sites (Facebook, Instagram) between March 12 and July 31, 2022. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, General Anxiety Scale, and the Online Victimization Scale assessed mental health well-being and discrimination outcomes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, two sample t-test, chi-square test of independence, and Pearson's correlation analysis. Our sample included 61 fathers within 6 months postpartum living in the United States and Canada. Participants were on average 34 years old, married, and represented 17 Asian ethnic groups, including Asian Indian (41%), Filipino (11.3%), and Korean (8.1%). One-third of our participants (31.1%, n = 19) were at high risk of developing postpartum depression and scores of three (4.9%) fathers indicated they had clinically significant anxiety. Overall, 26.3% reported experiencing direct online racial discrimination and 65% reported occurrences of indirect online racial discrimination. There was a high rate of depressive symptoms and occurrences of online racial discrimination among fathers of Asian descent living in North America. These rates are higher than the general perinatal population and further research is warranted to examine risk factors and preventive strategies among this unique paternal ethnic group.

Prevalence of postpartum depression in Ghana: a systematic review study

Postpartum depression affects many women and remains the fourth-leading cause of disability and premature death. This study reviewed Ghanaian mothers’ postpartum depression studies. This systematic study examined PubMed, Scopus, Up-to-date, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Proquest to estimate postpartum depression prevalence. Between 2009 and 2022, published papers on the prevalence of postpartum depression in English were analyzed. Postpartum depression, risk variables, and prevalence were all included in the search approach. An examination of the literature revealed that a trend in the prevalence of PPD has been identified. According to the research, Community-based research in Northern Ghana found prevalence rates between 16.8 and 33.5 percent, whereas estimates from the rest of the nation were between 3.8 and 11.3 percent. The findings from this study might also be utilized to guide future investigations and the design of preventive measures.

“It Slowly Drained the Life Out of Me, Leaving Me Dead Inside”: Coping and Response Patterns Among Chinese Women Experiencing Postpartum Depression

ABSTRACT The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) exceeds 20% in China. In this article, we unpack the coping strategies and involuntary responses to PPD among Chinese women and how such patterns are shaped by family communication dynamics and reflect distinct social, structural, and cultural contexts. Drawing upon the communication accommodation theory and the generic stress and coping model, we analyzed 661 posts collected under the hashtag #PPD (chanhou yiyuzheng) on Zhihu using the phronetic iterative approach. The analysis reveals that women self-identifying as having PPD often find themselves situated within a family environment marked by non-adaptive communication, culminating in insufficient support from their social circles. Furthermore, a significant number of these women lack effective coping mechanisms to manage PPD. Instead, they tend to stifle their expressions and needs through automatic responses, dedicating themselves to constant self-monitoring without practicing self-care. Our findings contribute to informed policymaking for postpartum support, addressing nuanced challenges encountered by new mothers in China.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY: A COMMUNITY-BASED STUDY ON RISK FACTORS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY

Postpartum anxiety and depression are a significant public health concern as it is the leading cause of maternal morbidity. It is associated with adverse effects on the cognitive and social development of the infant. The primary aim of the study is to find postpartum depression and anxiety as a community-based study on risk factors before, during, and after pregnancy. The prospective cohort study was conducted in Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar from April 2023 to July 2023. A total of 320 pregnant women were recruited for this study. Participants were enrolled during their antenatal visits to healthcare facilities within the community, ensuring representation across diverse demographic and socio-economic backgrounds. Data collection for this community-based study on postpartum depression and anxiety was executed meticulously across three distinct phases: before, during, and after pregnancy. Data was collected from 320 pregnant females. The mean age of participants was 28.5±4.2 years. Most participants had at least a high school education (65%) and reported a moderate household income (55%). 18% of participants had a history of previous episodes of depression or anxiety. 35% reported experiencing significant life stressors before pregnancy, with financial concerns being the most common (62%). 24% had a family history of mental health disorders. It is concluded that this study has revealed a significant prevalence of postpartum depression (22%) and anxiety (18%) among participants. The identified risk factors, including prior mental health history and high prenatal stress, emphasize the need for early intervention and targeted support systems during the perinatal period.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Postpartum Depression in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Background: South India has a high prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) compared to other regions. With declining maternal mortality, physicians need to focus on decreasing maternal morbidities, including postpartum mental health disorders. Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of PPD and the influence of demographic and pregnancy related factors on PPD, and to identify major symptom subsets manifested postnatally. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 435 women between 2 weeks to 6 months postpartum, in a tertiary care centre in South India, Postnatal mothers were administered questionnaires including Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and patient demographics and pregnancy related factors. Chi squared test was used to evaluate the association between EPDS scores and demographic and pregnancy variables. Subset analysis was carried out to identify the predominant symptoms in the patients. Results: Completed questionnaires were obtained from 427 postpartum women, among which 26.2% (n=112) had EPDS score &gt;12. Among demographic variables, EPDS scores showed a significant association with relationship problems (p=.000) only, while among pregnancy factors, preterm birth (p=.019), neonatal intensive care admission (p=.005), pregnancy complications (p=.009), and history of depression (p=.043) were significantly associated with EPDS scores. Subset analysis revealed a high mean EPDS score for anxiety (1.91), followed by depressive (1.38) and anhedonia (0.91) symptoms. Conclusion: Several clinical factors and adverse events during pregnancy, including sociodemographic factors and pregnancy-related complications itself, can set the stage for PPD and other mental health conditions. Simple assessments like EPDS can be considered part of routine postnatal check-up examinations for early recognition and treatment of PPD.

Validating the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Against the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition for Use in Uganda.

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a widely acknowledged screening tool for postpartum depression (PPD) globally, but its validation in Uganda has been lacking. This study aimed to assess the EPDS's accuracy as a PPD screening tool in Uganda compared to the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI 7.0.2) based on the DSM-5. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at a referral hospital and two peri-urban primary care postpartum clinics in rural southwestern Uganda. We enrolled 287 mothers aged 18 to 49 at their six-week postpartum visit. The EPDS was used for initial screening, and the MINI 7.0.2 was employed for clinical diagnosis. The study used the Runyankore-Rukiga language version of the EPDS and collected data from November 11, 2019, to June 10, 2020, with the MINI 7.0.2 as the reference standard. The overall PPD prevalence was 29.5%, as opposed to 26.5% with EPDS and MINI 7.0.2 DSM-5 criteria (p = 0.239). The EPDS demonstrated a sensitivity of 86.8%, specificity of 92.1%, positive predictive value of 80.5%, and negative predictive value of 94.9%. A cutoff score of ≥10 was found to be the most effective acceptable point after drawing the AUC of ROC and determining the most appropriate point using Youden's index. The area under the ROC curve, indicating the scale's overall performance against MINI 7.0.2, was 0.89 for Bwizibwera HCIV, 0.97 for Kinoni HCIV, and 0.84 for MRRH. In conclusion, the EPDS can effectively screen for postpartum depression in southwestern Uganda using a cutoff score of ≥10. It exhibits strong diagnostic performance in correctly identifying PPD in postpartum mothers.

Evaluating the Relationship Between Maternal Postpartum Depression, Infant Feeding Practices, and Infant Nutritional Status at a Maternity Hospital in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Postpartum depression is a major maternal mental problem that has been shown to contribute to malnutrition in infants. This cross-sectional study explores the association between maternal postpartum depression (PPD) and infant feeding practices as well as infant nutritional status among infants aged 6-14 weeks at Eldoret West Maternity Hospital (EWMH) in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study involved 257 women of reproductive age with infants aged 6-14 weeks postpartum attending postnatal and maternal and child health clinics at EWMH. Data was collected using a modified Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to screen for PPD and other questionnaires to gather sociodemographic information, feeding practices, and infant nutritional status. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between maternal PPD, infant feeding practices, and nutritional status. The prevalence of maternal PPD was 17.5%, with 1 in 6 mothers affected. Exclusive breastfeeding was practiced by 94.6% of mothers, exceeding the national level of 60%. Mothers with PPD were more likely to practice nonexclusive breastfeeding and were 1.4, 1.8, and 1.6 times more likely to have stunted, wasted, and underweight infants respectively than mothers without PPD though the association was not statistically significant after adjusting for confounders.Maternal PPD is prevalent among mothers at EWMH and is more likely to influence infant feeding practices particularly non-exclusive breastfeeding and nutritional status. Stunting, wasting and underweight were prevalent in infants of mothers with PPD. These findings underscore the importance of integrating mental health and nutritional support services for mothers and infants in maternal healthcare settings. Early identification and intervention for maternal PPD can help improve infant feeding practices and nutritional outcomes, promoting the well-being of both mothers and their infants.