Screening for Postnatal Depression in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Aim

To determine the need to screen postpartum women for postpartum depression.

Objective

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of an Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) score of ≥13 in postpartum mothers and to evaluate the association of different sociodemographic and obstetric factors with postpartum depression.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Method

1600 postpartum women who delivered a live born at St. John’s Hospital were recruited into the study. Participants were screened for postnatal depression using the EPDS. A risk factor questionnaire that covered key sociodemographic and obstetric factors was also completed by all the subjects. Main Outcome Measure: Prevalence of a score of 13 or higher, on the EPDS.

Results

The prevalence of an EPDS score of ≥13 in our population was 7.5 % (120/1600). Participants with a family history of psychiatric illness, history of domestic abuse, delayed initiation of breastfeeding, and those who gave birth to a female infant were at a significantly higher risk for an EPDS score of 13 or higher, indicating probable postnatal depression. The mode of delivery, NICU admission of the newborn, and history of antenatal complications were not significant risk factors.

Conclusion

Since the prevalence of an EPDS score ≥13 (which is suggestive of PPD) was found in a significant proportion of women, screening for PPD is indicated in all postpartum women to identify and promptly treat these women. Identification of a clear correlation between certain risk factors and PPD will lead to a more prompt diagnosis of PPD.