Study on Correlation of Pscho-social and Demographic Factors with Perinatal Depression

Background: There are very few studies examining the correlation of antenatal depression and postpartum depression vary with respect to the demographic and psychosocial characteristics. Analysis and comparison of the correlation of depression during and after pregnancy will throw more light than exclusively focusing on postpartum depression. Aim: To study the psycho-social   predictive and   protective factors for depression in antenatal and post-partum period. Methodology: This was a prospective study done during women’s antenatal and postpartum period starting from 5months to 6 weeks postpartum. EPDS scale was used for screening for depressive symptoms in this cohort and those with scores of above 10 were included in the study. Then MINI interview was carried out and those who fulfilled DSM IV criteria for major depressive disorder were identified. PSLES scale was used to assess the life events that occurred in the past 1 year. Data analysis was done using SPSS-21 version. Descriptive analyses were carried out for the categorical variables by calculating the number and frequency. The continuous variables were calculated for mean and standard deviation. Results: The Psycho-social risk factors found to be significant in both groups were marital separation, duration of separation, alcohol abuse. Previous Psychiatric illness, family h/o Psychiatric illness, especially suicides found to be significant. EPDS scores showed positive correlation with the PSLES scores for stressful life events. Differentiating factors in antenatal depression and postnatal depression were high PSLES scores; financial constraints played a greater role in antenatal depression. While obstetric factors like infertility, high risk pregnancy and postpartum complications showed greater significance for postpartum depression. Use of formula feeds in newborn played a significant role in PPD. Conclusion: There is no differentiating psychosocial factor for antenatal and postpartum depression. But, obstetric factors like high risk pregnancy, infertility, postpartum complications are instrumental in the culmination of postpartum depression.