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Kindly share your thoughts on Postpartum Depression - A public health concern.
Posted : November 29, 2021 6:04 pm
Postnatal depression is a neglected issue of maternal and child health in the developing world. It could have adverse effects on mothers, children and family. This study has evaluated the factors associated with postnatal depression among 242 postnatal mothers at Bharatpur hospital, Chitwan. Postnatal depression was found among one-fifth of women within six months of delivery. Post natal depression was associated with current age, smoking, pressure to conceive a child, intent of pregnancy and delivery related complications.
There should be regularly screening for postnatal depression for high risk mothers with necessary interventions and counselling
Posted : November 30, 2021 6:38 pm
In my opinion, Postpartum Depression, also known as Prenatal Depression is one of the major concern for public health.
A healthy mother is equivalent to a healthy family, specially after child-birth. Child Birth- which is considered one of the happiest time for a mother is also one of the most challenging time for her, both physically and mentally. Due to varied situations and factors, it might take a reverse toll on her mental health. What makes it worse, is the feeling of guilt that the female experiences. If not given proper attention, the chances of chronic depression increases.
I just read the study that Kamalpreet Ma'am shared with us and was shocked to find out that one-fifth of the women were found to be suffering from postnatal depression.
I feel, depression is still not considered as a major disease. This results in lack of discussion about the topic during pregnancy. If an expecting mother ( especially the one's which are at risk of developing prenatal depression) is pre-counselled and guided by her doctor, the chances of prenatal depression might decrease or the mother would be able to handle the situation better.
Also, I would like to add - Prenatal depression is also seen in males. This should also be taken into consideration, and a proper counselling session, before and after the child birth should be arranged for both father and mother. In which, they are guided through different emotional changes they might undergo and the one's under risk are given proper attention and early treatment, in case they develop prenatal depression.
Posted : December 1, 2021 9:58 pm
kamalpreet reacted
Post-partum depression is a mood disorder that affect 20-40% of women globally. In context of Asian countries, its prevalence varies from 63% (Pakistan) to 3.5% (Malaysia) (1). PPD is a clinical illness that requires medical/psychological intervention. This paper (2) talks about digital health needs of women with PPD and how a web-enabled intervention could help to meet those needs.
References
Posted : December 3, 2021 4:37 pm
Depression is a major public health problem that is twice as common in women as men during the childbearing years. Postpartum depression is defined within this report as an episode of non-psychotic depression according to standardized diagnostic criteria with onset within 1 year of childbirth.
1. RISK FACTORS FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Research studies have consistently shown that the following risk factors are strong predictors of postpartum depression: depression or anxiety during pregnancy, stressful recent life events, poor social support, and a previous history of depression. Moderate predictors of postpartum depression are childcare stress, low self-esteem, maternal neuroticism, and difficult infant temperament. Small predictors include
obstetric and pregnancy complications, negative cognitive attributions, single marital status, poor relationship with the partner, and lower socioeconomic status including income. No relationship was found for ethnicity, maternal age, level of education, parity, or gender of the child (in Western societies).
2. DETECTION, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT
While postpartum depression is a major health issue for many women from diverse cultures, this condition often remains undiagnosed. Although several measures have been created to detect depressive symptomatology in women who have recently given birth, the development of a postpartum depression screening program requires careful consideration. Evidence-based decisions need to be made regarding: (1)
the most effective screening test that not only has good sensitivity and specificity but is quick, easy to interpret, readily incorporated into practice, and culturally sensitive; and (2) health care system issues such as cost-effectiveness, potential harm, and policies for the referral.
3. THE EFFECTS OF THE ILLNESS ON THE MOTHER-INFANT RELATIONSHIP AND CHILD GROWTH AND
DEVELOPMENT
Current research suggests that postpartum depression has salient but selective effects on the mother-infant relationship, and child growth and development. Young children of mothers with postpartum depression have greater cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal problems than children of non-depressed mothers. With regard to emotional growth and development, studies support an early effect of postpartum
depression on infant affect but do not support longer effects. Overall, it is exposure to prolonged episodes of postpartum depression or to recurrent episodes of maternal depression that are most likely to have long-term effects on the child.
4. PUBLIC HEALTH INTERVENTIONS AND STRATEGIES WHICH REDUCE OR MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION ON THE MOTHER-INFANT RELATIONSHIP AND THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN
The potential adverse effect of postpartum depression upon the maternal-infant relationship and child development reinforces the need for early identification and effective treatment models. Unfortunately, there are few studies of public health interventions that can prevent or mitigate the impact of postpartum depression on these outcomes. A few studies, of variable quality, have explored the impact of interventions
such as home visiting, telephone counseling, interactive coaching, group interventions, and massage therapy.
1. RISK FACTORS FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Research studies have consistently shown that the following risk factors are strong predictors of postpartum depression: depression or anxiety during pregnancy, stressful recent life events, poor social support, and a previous history of depression. Moderate predictors of postpartum depression are childcare stress, low self-esteem, maternal neuroticism, and difficult infant temperament. Small predictors include
obstetric and pregnancy complications, negative cognitive attributions, single marital status, poor relationship with the partner, and lower socioeconomic status including income. No relationship was found for ethnicity, maternal age, level of education, parity, or gender of the child (in Western societies).
2. DETECTION, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT
While postpartum depression is a major health issue for many women from diverse cultures, this condition often remains undiagnosed. Although several measures have been created to detect depressive symptomatology in women who have recently given birth, the development of a postpartum depression screening program requires careful consideration. Evidence-based decisions need to be made regarding: (1)
the most effective screening test that not only has good sensitivity and specificity but is quick, easy to interpret, readily incorporated into practice, and culturally sensitive; and (2) health care system issues such as cost-effectiveness, potential harm, and policies for the referral.
3. THE EFFECTS OF THE ILLNESS ON THE MOTHER-INFANT RELATIONSHIP AND CHILD GROWTH AND
DEVELOPMENT
Current research suggests that postpartum depression has salient but selective effects on the mother-infant relationship, and child growth and development. Young children of mothers with postpartum depression have greater cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal problems than children of non-depressed mothers. With regard to emotional growth and development, studies support an early effect of postpartum
depression on infant affect but do not support longer effects. Overall, it is exposure to prolonged episodes of postpartum depression or to recurrent episodes of maternal depression that are most likely to have long-term effects on the child.
4. PUBLIC HEALTH INTERVENTIONS AND STRATEGIES WHICH REDUCE OR MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION ON THE MOTHER-INFANT RELATIONSHIP AND THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN
The potential adverse effect of postpartum depression upon the maternal-infant relationship and child development reinforces the need for early identification and effective treatment models. Unfortunately, there are few studies of public health interventions that can prevent or mitigate the impact of postpartum depression on these outcomes. A few studies, of variable quality, have explored the impact of interventions
such as home visiting, telephone counseling, interactive coaching, group interventions, and massage therapy.
References:
This post was modified 2 years ago by Raaga
Posted : December 3, 2021 4:55 pm