AbstractBackground: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public
health concern that adversely affects maternal well-being, infant development,
and family dynamics. Women residing in rural areas are especially vulnerable
due to limited access to mental health care, sociocultural stigma, and
inadequate support systems. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of PPD
and identify its predictors among postpartum women in rural regions.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a
one-year period (February 2020 to January 2021) in the Department of Psychiatry
at Kanti Devi Medical College. A total of 150 postpartum women residing in
rural areas and attending follow-up within 6 weeks to 6 months after delivery
were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected on
sociodemographic variables, obstetric history, social support, and pregnancy
planning. Postpartum depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal
Depression Scale (EPDS), with a cutoff score ≥13 indicating probable PPD. Statistical
analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic
regression to identify independent predictors (p < 0.05).
Results: The prevalence of postpartum depression was found to be 26.7%.
Significant predictors of PPD included inadequate social support (χ²=14.72,
p<0.001) and unplanned pregnancy (χ²=7.19, p=0.007). Women with PPD had a
higher mean EPDS score (17.1 ± 4.3) compared to those without PPD (6.2 ± 3.5).
Conclusion: Postpartum depression is prevalent among rural
women, with inadequate social support and unplanned pregnancies emerging as key
risk factors. Routine mental health screening and community-level interventions
are imperative to ensure early identification and management.
