Prevalence and determinants of postnatal depression among mothers attending a tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad. A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Postnatal depression (PND) is a common yet underdiagnosed condition that impairs maternal well-being and child development.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of PND among mothers attending a tertiary hospital in Hyderabad and to identify associated sociodemographic and obstetric factors.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 postnatal mothers within 24 weeks of delivery at the Departments of Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Neelima Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad. Participants were grouped as 0–12 weeks and 13–24 weeks postpartum. The 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used, with scores >10 indicating possible depression. Sociodemographic and obstetric details were recorded, and associations were tested using chi-square analysis.

Results

The mean age was 26.8 ± 4.2 years. Most mothers were literate (89.2%), homemakers (71.7%), and from nuclear families (62.5%). Overall, 39 (32.5%) scored >10 on EPDS. Depression was more frequent in the 0–12 weeks group (38.3%) compared with 13–24 weeks (26.7%), though not significant. Significant associations were observed with maternal employment (p = 0.0008), female infant gender (p = 0.0008), domestic violence (p = 0.011), family substance abuse (p = 0.0003), and financial debts (p = 0.023). Education, family type, and delivery mode showed no significant association.

Conclusion

PND affects nearly one-third of mothers, with higher vulnerability in the early postpartum period. Psychosocial stressors, including employment status, gender of the newborn, violence, family substance abuse, and financial strain, were strongly associated with depressive symptoms. Recognition of both the prevalence and determinants is essential for timely interventions.

Recommendations

Routine mental health screening and psychosocial support should be integrated into maternal healthcare, with priority given to high-risk groups.