Assessing the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression: A Cross-Sectional Study Conducted in the Urban Areas of Ankuli in Southern Odisha

Background Postpartum depression (PPD) is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that happen in some women after giving birth. Objectives The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of PPD using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and evaluate the predisposing factors for PPD. Methodology The present observational study was conducted in the Department of Community Medicine, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati (MKCG) Medical College and Hospital, Brahmapur, Odisha, India from May 2022 to November 2022. Using the EPDS, participants were assessed for postnatal depression. Every subject additionally filled out a risk factor questionnaire covering important sociodemographic and obstetric parameters. The prevalence of an EPDS score of 12 or above is the primary outcome measure. Results The study encompassed 121 mothers, with 8.26% scoring above the depression cutoff of 12 and 6.61% falling within the borderline range. Notably, all mothers surpassing the cutoff were from joint families, contrasting with those from nuclear families. A predominant portion of the depressive group was in their 20s, while the borderline group primarily consisted of mothers in their 30s. Urban residency and government hospital care were universal among the samples. Mode of delivery showed significance, with a higher prevalence of PPD observed among those who underwent a lower segment cesarean section. Additionally, maternal age, anemia, mode of delivery, educational status, adverse life events, and lack of partner support significantly correlated with depression scores. Notably, maternal age emerged as the most influential factor, followed by anemia and mode of delivery. Spearman correlation analysis revealed moderate negative associations between various aspects of maternal depression and the ages of their babies, indicating that younger infants were associated with greater maternal distress. However, the correlation between feeling sad or miserable and the baby's age was negligible. These findings emphasize the multifaceted nature of PPD, highlighting the interplay between sociodemographic factors, maternal well-being, and infant age.