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. 2024 Nov 25;16(11):e74449.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.74449. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Prevalence and Determinants of Postnatal Depression in Ernakulam District, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Ani S Abraham  1 , Sunu C Thomas  1 , Jeby J Olickal  1 , Kavumpurathu R Thankappan  1
Affiliations

Prevalence and Determinants of Postnatal Depression in Ernakulam District, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Ani S Abraham et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background Most studies on postnatal depression (PND) in India are hospital-based, focusing on assessments within the first month of postpartum. Therefore, community-based studies are required to capture the full spectrum of PND. Factors associated with PND are required to be addressed to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Objectives We conducted this study to estimate the prevalence of PND and associated factors in one district of Kerala. Methods We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study among 330 postnatal women selected using multistage cluster sampling. A validated interview schedule was used to collect the data, which captured the socio-demographic details, obstetric factors, newborn characteristics, and individual and family-related factors. Information on PND was collected using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Log binomial regression analysis was done to find out the factors associated with PND. Results The mean (standard deviation) age of the mothers was 29.4 (4.89) years, and most were graduates (n=179, 54.2%). The prevalence of PND was 20% (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.04-24.65). Muslim mothers (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] 2.07, CI: 1.18-3.41], scheduled caste/scheduled tribe (SC/ST) mothers (APR=2.49, CI: 1.22-5.09), those who had some stressful events during pregnancy (APR=2.05, CI: 1.11-3.77), and mothers experiencing loneliness (APR=5.83, CI: 3.84-8.87) were more likely to report PND than their counterparts. Conclusion About 20% of all the mothers reported PND. Prevalence was significantly higher among Muslim mothers, SC/ST mothers, and those experiencing prenatal stress or loneliness. Targeted community-based interventions for high-risk groups are the need of the time to reduce the prevalence of PND.

Keywords: associated factors; india; kerala; loneliness; postnatal depression.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi issued approval ECASM-AIMS-2024-061 dated 30-01-2024. The study was reviewed and cleared by the Scientific Review Committee and Institutional Ethics Committee of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi (Approval number: ECASM-AIMS-2024-061) dated 30-01-2024. . Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Flowchart illustrating the sample selection process
Grama Panchayat: An institution of self-government for the rural areas.
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