Factors associated with postnatal depression among primi mothers

Introduction: Postnatal depression poses a heavy burden to the society because of its significant impact on the health of the baby, mother, and its negative effect on the family. During the postnatal period, the emotional status and social support of women has to be assessed. The present study aimed at identifying the factors associated with postnatal depression. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in two hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Kerala. Primi mothers (n = 610) at 6 weeks after delivery attending the immunization clinic were included in the study. Consecutive sampling technique was used. The research tool used were sociodemographic data sheet, life events inventory, questionnaire on social support, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Results: The proportion of postnatal depression among the primi mothers was 9.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.2–11.8). The factors associated with postnatal depression among primi mothers included alcoholism of husband (OR 3.01; 95% CI, 1.1–8.24), unplanned pregnancy (OR 2.32; 95% CI, 1.16–4.64), conflict with parents (OR 4.19; 95% CI, 0.9–19.63), conflict with in-laws (OR 5.16; 95% CI, 1.01–26.23), and lack of support from husband (OR 3.33; 95% CI, 1.26–8.81), mother (OR 15.02; 95% CI, 5.66–39.87), mother-in-law (OR 2.38; 95% CI, 1.06–5.34), and friends and neighbors (OR 2.01; 95%CI, 1–4.04). Conclusion: Health professionals at the periphery level of health care should be educated about the risk factors of postnatal depression.