Treatment gap and barriers to access mental healthcare among women with postpartum depression symptoms in Pakistan.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Postpartum depression (PPD) is prevalent among women after childbirth, but accessing mental healthcare for PPD is challenging. This study aimed to assess the treatment gap and barriers to mental healthcare access for women with PPD symptoms living in Punjab, Pakistan.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in five populous cities of Punjab from January to June 2023 by administering the questionnaire to the women using stratified random sampling. A total of 3,220 women in first 6 months postpartum were screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Of them, 1,503 women scored thirteen or above, indicating potential depressive disorder. Interviews were conducted to explore help-seeking behavior and barriers to accessing me

SUBMITTER: Sajjad A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11260416 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature