A CLINICAL EVALUATION OF POST-PARTUM DEPRESSION IN COASTAL KARNATAKA

Abstract

Annappa Shetty1

BACKGROUND
Psychological mood changes, depression is very common in Post-partum period ranging from mild and transient “baby blues” experienced by 50-80% of women to postpartum Psychosis which affects 1% of women.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association of different factors with Post-Partum depression in coastal Karnataka region, (Karwar).
MATERIAL & METHODS
ï?· A Prospective study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KAIMS, Karwar, Karnataka.
ï?· A total one thousand patients 4-7 Post-partum days were selected and interrogated using Edinburgh Postnatal depression scale (EPDS).
Socio-demographic factors (age, Parity, literacy, socio-economic status, marital status and family structure), history of psychiatric disorders and abuse, mode of delivery and the obstetric outcome were recorded. The results were analysed statistically using Chi-square chart.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND RESULTS:
The incidence of PPD was 22%. Significant association of PPD was seen with low socio-economic status group (P<005), poor literacy (P<0.001), nuclear family structure (P<0.05), single mother (P<0.001), past history of abuse (P<0.05) and poor obstetric outcome (P<0.001).
CONCLUSION
This study provides useful information about the prevalence of PPD and the association of socio economic, cultural practices prevalent in coastal Karnataka with PPD.

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