Prevalence of early postpartum depression and associated risk factors among selected women in southern Malawi: a nested observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The birth of a child should be a time of celebration. However, for many women, childbirth represents a time of great vulnerability to becoming mentally unwell, a neglected maternal morbidity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of early postpartum depression (PPD) and its associated risk factors among women giving birth at health facilities in southern Malawi. Identifying women vulnerable to PPD will help clinicians provide appropriately targeted interventions before discharge from the maternity ward.

Method

We conducted a nested cross-sectional study. Women were screened for early PPD using a locally validated Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) as they were discharged from the maternity ward. The prevalence of moderate or severe (EPDS ≥ 6) and

SUBMITTER: Moya E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10074867 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature