Exploring the burden of postpartum depression in urban Bangladesh: Prevalence and its associations with pregnancy-related factors from a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background and aims: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a globally recognized public health concern, yet research focusing on women in urban areas of Bangladesh remains unexplored. This study aimed to address this research gap by investigating the prevalence and associated factors of PPD within the first 2 years after childbirth.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 259 women (26.66 ± 4.57 years) residing in urban areas who were attending healthcare delivery centers. Sociodemographic factors, child-related issues, pregnancy-related complications, and PPD using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were used for data collection. Data analysis involved the application of χ ² tests and logistic regression analysis using SPSS software.

Results: This study found a 60.6% prevalence of PPD using a cutoff of 10 (out of 30) on the EPDS scale. Logistic regression analysis identified several significant factors associated with PPD, including high monthly family income (odds ratio [OR] = 47.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.34-270.54, p < 0.001), income dissatisfaction (OR = 14.28, 95% CI: 4.75-42.87, p < 0.001), up to two gravidities (OR = 2.94, 95% CI = 1.25-6.90, p = 0.013), pregnancy-related complications (OR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.05-6.96, p = 0.039), increased antenatal care visits, and higher childbirth expenses.

Conclusion: This study underscores the high prevalence of PPD among urban mothers in Bangladesh. The identified risk factors emphasize the need for targeted mental health initiatives, specifically tailored to support the vulnerable group. Implementing such initiatives can effectively address the challenges posed by PPD and enhance the well-being of postpartum women in urban areas.

Keywords: ANC visits; C‐section; depression; postpartum depression; pregnancy.