Abstract

EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION ON POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AMONG MOTHERS IN MANGALURU: A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL

Rinie Sonam Dsouza*, Satish S., Sudhamshu K. Tantry and A. R. Shabaraya

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Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is psychological effects that occur after the birth of a child. PPD has significant negative impact on the physical, emotional and intellectual development of the child if left untreated, which can lead to future long-term complications, causes mother to develop obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors, knowledge and attitude of mothers in the postpartum period from 6 weeks to 12 months. The study was conducted in Dakshina Kannada during the 6-month period. Mothers met inclusion criteria were screened for postpartum depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal DepressionScale (EPDS) and assessed for risk factors toward PPD and were analysed using prevalidated questionnaires and scored. Total of 131 mothers met inclusion criteria were screened for symptoms of depression, the prevalence of PPD was found to be 116 (83.54%), further divided into two groups (case and control), and only case group (58) received intervention using PIL and control group (58) served for comparison to evaluate the impact effect of the intervention. Predisposing factors contributing to postpartum depression were: too little time with the husband (63.35%), financial problems (52%), social habits (28.2%), challenges to follow food restrictions (58%), guilt about not being a perfect mother (53.4%), household responsibilities (77%), and sleep disturbances (71.7%). Upon comparison case group with control, EPDS scores toward PPD improved significantly in the case group after intervention. Thus, early diagnosis, appropriate health education using PIL, timely care and management on PPD can show a positive response, significant changes in depression, attitude, and knowledge among mothers.

Keywords: Postpartum depression, Mother, EPDS, Knowledge, Attitude.