Community-Based Insights into Postpartum Depression in Urban and Suburban Tehsils of Lahore: Dual-Screening Approach with EPDS and PHQ-8

Abstract

Background & Objective: The aim of this study is to show the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in women and to assess the severity of these symptoms along with some key associative factors like age, perceived social support, and time since last conception. This model also compared the screening performance of EPDS and PHQ-8. Methodology: A total of 314 postpartum women, aged 18 to 45 years, who had delivered within the last 18 months, were recruited. Inclusion criteria included: age≥18 years and having a live birth within the past 18 months. Women with stillbirths or neonatal deaths were excluded. A questionnaire form containing two validated tools was used and filled, which included Edinburg postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-8(PHQ-8), and covered prevalence, severity, and sociodemographic factors affecting PPD. Results: Postpartum Depression affects 80.9% of women according to EPDS and 46.8% according to PHQ-8 screening tools. Although age and postpartum duration were not significantly associated, perceived family support was associated with PPD severity in this sample. Conclusion: The results of this study showed a significant increase in postpartum depression cases in women. Perceived family support is associated with lower depression scores and has a protective role. The high number of women who reported self-harm thoughts requires immediate implementation of risk assessment. This Research should proceed with diagnostic validation and assessment of community-based interventions to develop effective solutions for maternal mental health in Pakistan. Key Words: Postpartum Depression, PHQ-8, EPDS.