Determinants of Postnatal Depression among Mothers in a Rural Setting in Shimoga District, Karnataka-A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

Abstract

The physical, social and emotional changes that occur during the postpartum period make the mother vulnerable to numerous mental health problems such as postpartum blues, postnatal depression, and postpartum psychosis. Postpartum blues have shown spontaneous regression and does not require medical treatment.However, the latter two states are more important aspects in maternal mental health. Postnatal depression (PND) is a condition, developing six weeks after childbirth, characterized by a persistent experience of sadness or a diminished ability to experience pleasure, irritability, feelings of low self-esteem and manifest anxiety, and a tendency to brood over the infant’s health and well-being, fatigue, as well as alterations in sleep patterns and appetite.It can adversely affect the welfare of the family and health of the mother. It has also shown to lead to poor growth and development of the child, especially in the South Asian countries.PND has shown association with fluctuating levels of reproductive hormones, a personal or family history of depression, marital dysfunction, acute stressor events specific to motherhood, diet and socio-economic factors, and behavioral factors involving child care.