FREQUENCY OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS IN PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM PERIOD IN WOMEN ATTENDING THE OPD OF TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, HYDERABAD

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of mental health disorders in pregnancy and postpartum period in women attending the OPD of Tertiary Care Hospital, Hyderabad.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 123 women aged 20-45 years who were either pregnant (≥14 weeks) or in the postpartum period (≤8 weeks). Anxiety and antenatal depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), with scores ≥8 indicating psychological morbidity. Postpartum depression was evaluated using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with scores ≥10 indicating depression. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with descriptive statistics applied to quantitative variables and chi-square/Fisher’s exact test used for stratified analysis of effect modifiers.

RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 28.9 ± 4.8 years. Anxiety was identified in 41 (33.3%) women, while antenatal depression was present in 34 (27.6%). Among postpartum women (n = 45), 18 (40.0%) screened positive for postpartum depression. Significant associations were observed between anxiety and maternal age (p = 0.03), and number of children (p = 0.04). Antenatal depression showed significant association with family monthly income (p = 0.02), while postpartum depression was significantly associated with educational status (p = 0.01) and occupational status (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION: Mental health disorders are highly prevalent during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Routine screening using validated tools and targeted psychosocial support are essential to improve maternal mental health outcomes.