Incidence of Post-Partum Depression among Female Patients Presenting in the Outpatient Clinic of Obstetrics & Gynecology Department in ACTH At Khartoum State, September - November 2017

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the incidence of post-partum depression among female patients as this form of mental illness is much more serious than the “baby blues” (relatively mild depressive and anxiety symptoms that typically clear within two weeks after delivery) that many women experience after giving birth. Women with PPD may experience full-blown major depression during pregnancy or after delivery. The feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that accompany PPD may make it difficult for these new mothers to complete daily care activities for themselves and/or for their newborns. Early diagnosis and management are essential for the prevention of serious complications. Materials and methods: This are a descriptive analytical hospital-based prospective study. Study included a total coverage of all women attending the outpatient clinic of Obstetrics and gynecology 4-6 weeks post-partum, which was a total of 40 women. Each woman answered the questionnaire in an interview method and the score of the Edinburgh Post Natal Depression Scale (EPDS) was recorded along with the factors included in the “added” questionnaire; marital status, partner support, employment and socioeconomic status. As for the EPDS scoring, any score of 10 or higher is considered suggestive of PPD. Results: The incidence of PPD among the taken sample was found to be was found to be 7.5% - only three women presented with a score of equal/more than 10. With regards to marital status; single, widowed and divorced women all had EPDS scores less than 10; so, no depression. Of married women, 8.8% had EPDS scores of equal to or greater than 10 suggesting PPD. However, the p value for the association between marital status and PPD was (0.903) which is considered insignificant. Significant EPDS scores for depression were also shown to present with women complaining of “rarely supportive” partners, as all three women presenting with PPD were in that category. The p value for this association was found to be (0.301), also insignificant. When it comes to socioeconomic status, all three women with PPD were of low socioeconomic status, that is 8.6% of all those with low socioeconomic status presented with EPDS scores of 10 or higher. The p value for this association was found to be (0.496), insignificant. 12.5% of women who are unemployed presented with PPD while all those employed had no significant EPDS scores. The p value for this association was (0.141) which is, once again, insignificant. Conclusion: According to the results obtained, the incidence of PPD is 7.5% and it appears that there is no significant association between PPD and any of the factors mentioned; marital status, employment, partner support and socioeconomic status. All P values were greater than 0.05.