1 RUBINA IZHAR, 2 SAADIYA A. KARIM

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study was conducted in order to assess the magnitude of the postnatal depression (PND) at Abbasi Shaheed hospital during 2004-2006 and also to explore the causes of PND

Material and Methods: A total of 600 subjects were selected through convenient sampling frame at Gyne unit I during postnatal follow up and their mental health was assessed by using Edinburg scale of postnatal depression. The females were contacted at 3 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks of delivery. Most of them were interviewed and examined in the Gynae OPD and some non complaints were contacted on telephone. There were 21 variables in the ESPND and a score of 13 or more was taken as a cut off for established post natal depression. The diagnosed cases of depression were referred to psychiatry department for further advice and treatment.

Results: It was found that 11% of the female had postnatal depression during 12 weeks of observation and majority of the participants 64% were of 20-25 years old. The causes among the cases (n=67) found to be overlapping but in 63% it was related to the repeated birth of female child, in 37% of the cases it was previous depressive illness while in 52% unplanned pregnancy was claimed to be the cause. Spouse related problem was seen in 32% of the cases.

Conclusion: Post Natal Depression was found to be a significant problem among women reporting at government teaching hospital. Repeated birth of female child and unplanned pregnancy were the significant causes in all cases. But due to limitations of the study design used in this study, it was difficult to relate one single cause to the outcome and subsequent research using analytical design would be preferred. Key Words: Post natal depression, Abbasi shaheed hospital, Edinburgh scale of PND.

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

1 Associate Professor Gynae I,
2 Head of Gynae Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi Medical & Dental College