MUNIR HAMIRANI, AZRA SULTANA, ZUBEDA IBRAHIM, SERWAT SULTANA, HUMAIRA.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine frequency of postnatal depression, among patients presenting at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi. Factors associated with postnatal depression were also studied.

Materials and Methods: Postnatal cases presenting at the out patient department of obstetrics and gynecology department were screened for postnatal depression using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Patients with scores 12 or above were identified to have postnatal depression. Additional questions about socio-demographic variables were asked.

Results: Out of 104 patients interviewed 25 (24%) were identified as having postnatal depression. Mean age of these was 27.5 year (SD 4.5). Thirteen (50%) were grandmultipara and only one was primipara. Previous history of depression was present 10 (%) and 3 had family history of depression. Majority said that this was an unplanned pregnancy.

Conclusion: A larger than expected numbers of women were identified as having postnatal pregnancy. This highlights the need for further studies into the reasons as well as the screening of postnatal women for depression.

For Full text contact to:
Prof. Dr. Farah Mansuri
editor@annals-ashkmdc.org

Assistant Professor Psychiatry, Karachi Medical & Dental College And Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Karachi * Karachi Medical & Dental College ASH (Deptt. of Pathology Gynae & Urology ). *
Resident Medical Officer, Gynae Unit 2, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi *
RMO, Gynae Unit 2, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi *
RMO, Psychiatry Department, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi *