EXPLORING PSYCHOSOCIAL, BIOLOGICAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AMONG WOMEN IN URBAN AND RURAL COMMUNITIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/tjbd2069Keywords:
Depression, Female, Mental Health, Postnatal Care, Postpartum Period, Pregnancy, Psychosocial FactorsAbstract
Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant yet underrecognized public health issue that adversely affects maternal mental health and child development. The interplay of psychosocial, biological, and environmental factors contributes to its onset, particularly in resource-constrained settings like South Punjab.
Objective: To analyze key psychosocial, biological, and environmental factors contributing to postpartum depression among women in urban and rural communities of South Punjab, and to identify preventive strategies for improving maternal mental health outcomes.
Methods: A descriptive study was conducted over eight months among 384 postpartum women within six months of delivery in South Punjab. Participants were selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected through structured interviews using a pretested questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Data were normally distributed; thus, t-tests, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were applied to explore associations and predictors.
Results: The prevalence of probable postpartum depression (EPDS ≥13) was 41.6%. Higher rates were observed among women with a history of depression (74.2%), low social support (68.5%), unemployment (63.3%), and rural residence (59.6%). Mean EPDS scores were significantly higher in rural women (12.4 ± 4.8) and those with low social support (13.7 ± 5.1). Multivariate analysis confirmed these factors as significant predictors.
Conclusion: Postpartum depression is highly prevalent among mothers in South Punjab, especially in rural areas and among socially unsupported women. Addressing these factors through targeted interventions is essential for improving maternal mental health and overall family well-being.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Shakeela Bano, Fizza Shoaib, Fatima Akram Khan, Muhammad Shahroz Khan, Abdul Majid Asad, Rafi Ul Shan, Iqra Arshad (Author)
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