ASSESSMENT OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG POSTNATAL WOMEN IN RURAL TAMILNADU

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common but often underdiagnosed mental health condition that affects women during the postnatal period. It poses significant implications for maternal wellbeing, infant development, and family functioning. Understanding its prevalence and predictors is essential for improving maternal mental health interventions, especially in rural populations where healthcare access and psychosocial support are limited.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of postpartum depression and to identify its associated risk factors and predictors among postpartum women in rural Tamil Nadu.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 postpartum women residing in rural areas of Tamil Nadu. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychosocial variables. Postpartum depression was screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with a score ≥13 indicating probable depression. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests for association and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors of PPD.

Results: The prevalence of probable postpartum depression was 36%, while 25% had possible depression and 39% had minimal or no symptoms. The mean EPDS score was 11.1 ± 4.3. Significant associations were found with low social support (p < 0.001), poor partner support (p < 0.001), antenatal complications (p = 0.008), domestic violence (p < 0.001), and history of mental illness (p = 0.004). Logistic regression identified the following as independent predictors of PPD: Domestic violence (AOR = 7.69, p < 0.001); Low social support (AOR = 4.39, p < 0.001); Poor partner support (AOR = 3.74, p = 0.004); History of mental illness (AOR = 5.54, p = 0.002); Antenatal complications (AOR = 2.32, p = 0.031); Unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 2.86, p = 0.019).

Conclusions: Postpartum depression affects over one-third of mothers in rural Tamil Nadu, representing a substantial mental health burden. Psychosocial stressors such as domestic violence, low social and partner support, and previous mental illness were the most powerful determinants. Routine mental health screening and early psychosocial interventions during antenatal and postnatal care are essential to mitigate the impact of PPD on mothers and infants.