Identify Risk Factors for Postnatal Depression among Antenatal Mothers - A Hospital Based Study

Aim: Identify the risk factors associated with postnatal depression among pregnant women and its outcome in a selected urban hospital in Bangalore.

Method: A cross sectional study design was used with sample consisting of hundred pregnant women selected at convenience. The study was based on the conceptual framework of Pender's health promotion model. The risk factors of low self esteem, prenatal anxiety and depression, lack of social support, life stress and poor family relationship were measured using modified postpartum predictors inventory.

Findings: Most prevalent risk factor for postnatal depression among pregnant women was prenatal anxiety and depression (81%) and the least prevalent risk factor was poor family relationships. The outcome area most affected was sleeping eating disturbances (mean %=40.5) and physical appearance (mean %= 22.23). Significant associations were noted between family income with life stress (p=0.013) and poor family relationships (p=0.017).

Conclusion: Presence of certain risk factors in the antenatal period places the mother at a higher risk of developing postnatal depression and nurses should assess mothers at each contact for signs and symptoms of depression.