Beyond the First Cry: Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in Sindh, Pakistan

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Published: Mar 29, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54079/jpmi.39.1.3525
Keywords:
Depression, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Mental Health, Post-natal depression, Post-Partum Depression

Main Article Content

Kumayl Abbas Meghji
Isra University, Hyderabad
Areesha Mushtaque Memon
Isra University, Hyderabad
Ayesha Muhammad Ramzan
Isra University, Hyderabad
Isra Memon
OMI Hospital, Karachi
Sidra Rehman
Isra University, Hyderabad
Faiza Sultan
Isra University, Hyderabad

Abstract

Objective: To assess PPD prevalence across hospitals in Sindh, Pakistan, and determine its association with various maternal, neonatal, and socioeconomic risk factors.


Methodology: This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between April and September 2023 at various hospitals in Hyderabad and Karachi. A total of 219 mothers aged 20-40 years with recent singleton births were included in the study. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and a structured questionnaire were used to gather data. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS (version 22) with chi-square tests and Pearson's correlation analysis.


Results: The mean EPDS score among participants was 18.18±5.90, with 66.21% screening positive for PPD. Significant positive correlations were found between PPD and maternal age (r=0.96, p<0.001), BMI (r=0.95, p<0.001), and significant negative correlation with maternal education level (r=-0.93, p<0.001). Factors such as low income, rural residence, extended family structure, cesarean delivery, non-exclusive breastfeeding, multiparity, lack of spousal support, neonatal complications, and previous miscarriages were significantly associated with PPD (p<0.05).


Conclusion: PPD is highly prevalent in Sindh and is significantly associated with a multitude of maternal, neonatal, and socioeconomic risk factors such as maternal age, education, income, and multiparity, among others.

Article Details

How to Cite
1.
Meghji KA, Memon AM, Ramzan AM, Memon I, Rehman S, Sultan F. Beyond the First Cry: Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in Sindh, Pakistan. J Postgrad Med Inst [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 29 [cited 2025 Apr. 2];39(1). Available from: https://jpmi.org.pk/index.php/jpmi/article/view/3525
Issue
Vol. 39 No. 1 (2025): JPMI
Section
Original Article
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Author Biographies

Kumayl Abbas Meghji, Isra University, Hyderabad

Assistant Professor

Department of Physiology

Areesha Mushtaque Memon, Isra University, Hyderabad

Medical Student

Ayesha Muhammad Ramzan, Isra University, Hyderabad

Medical Student

Isra Memon, OMI Hospital, Karachi

Resident Medical Officer

Sidra Rehman, Isra University, Hyderabad

Medical Student

Faiza Sultan, Isra University, Hyderabad

Medical Student

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