**SHAHZAIB, *SEHRISH KHAN, *BEENISH BATOOL, *ZOYA IQBAL,
**FARAH ASAD MANSURI

ABSTRACT

Objective:To find out the frequency of ante-partum depression in public and private sector.

Materials & Methods: The study was conducted at Abbassi Shaheed Hospital, Nazimabad (Government sector), Liaquat National Hospital, Stadium road (Private sector) and Aga Khan Maternity Hospital, Karim-a-bad (Private sector).A sample of one hundred and fifty (150) subjects was selected. The survey was conducted by self administered questionnaire comprising of questions regarding Depression, Gynecological, Obstetrical, Medical, History Of Daily Interest, Emotional, Physical and Mental symptoms. All patients were made to fill one more questionnaire that is H.A.D.(Hamilton Anxiety Depression) scale of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (Department of Psychiatric Medicine). After selection of subjects from the Hospital, their verbal consent was taken. They were asked questions and the questionnaire was filled after translating it to them in Urdu.

Results: The result of the study showed that in Aga Khan Maternity Hospital, 4 (13.3%) out of 30 cases were in severe depression, In Abbasi Shaheed Hospital 23 (41.8%) out of 55 cases were in severe depression whereas in Liaquat National Hospital 14 (21.5%) cases were in severe depression. It also showed that32.7% were diagnosed as mild depressive patient, while the ratio of moderate, severe and no depression is 17.3%, 28% and 22% respectively.

Conclusion: It was found that a great proportion of pregnant ladies attending either public/private sector hospital experienced mild to severe depression. Females with severe depression were more prone to be belonging to low socio-economic group. Further more our research showed that ratio of depression was high among maternal age group of 18-28 years as compared to older age group. The study showed that depression was common among primi-para. It was also seen that house wives were more depressed during pregnancy as compared to working women.

Key Words: Ante-partum depression; Depression during pregnancy; Depression

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

* 4th year MBBS Students
** Department of Community Health Sciences Karachi Medical & Dental College.