Sociodemographic and Obstetric Factors of Postpartum Depression in Cesarean Section

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression is a major international public health problem. It most commonly occurs 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth. A number of sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychological factors have been identified as likely contributors to postpartum depression.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of postpartum depression in women underwent cesarean section and to study the frequency of contributing factors of postpartum depression in women underwent cesarean section.

Methodology: This descriptive case series was conducted at Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sughra Shafi Medical Complex, Narowal from 1^st August 2024 to 31^st January 2025. A total of 135 women aged 18-40 years who underwent cesarean delivery during the last 48 hours using nonprobability consecutive sampling technique. The study assessed obstetric factors like gestational age, pregnancy loss, preterm delivery, newborn sex, and birth weight. Postpartum depression was evaluated eight weeks postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Data analysis procedure was done by using SPSS-25.

Results: The study analyzed the demographic characteristics of 135 women who underwent caesarean delivery. The mean age of mothers was 26.59±4.90 years, of which most (73.3%, n = 99) were 30 years and younger, and 26.7% (n=36) were aged between 31 and 40 years. The mean gestational age at delivery was 36.92±2.52 weeks, with 63.0% (n = 85) delivered at ≥37 weeks and 37.0% (n = 50) receiving preterm birth at ≤36 weeks. The newborn male: female ratio was nearly a clean split, with 51.9% (n=70) male and 48.1% (n=65) female. These demographic data supply crucial information regarding the maternal and neonatal profiles of the study population, which may be a postpartum health outcome factor, e.g., the potential risk factors for postpartum depression. Among the 135 women who were delivered by caesarean, 31.9% (n=43) experienced postpartum depression and 68.1% (n=92) did not experience postpartum depression. Multiparity, unplanned caesarean deliveries, and low education were highly correlated with postpartum depression in women who had C-sections. Conversely, young maternal age, low income, and prior pregnancy loss had no significant relationship with postpartum depression. These results indicate that certain obstetric and socioeconomic factors are of significant importance in the etiology of postpartum depression in this population.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the study found a higher rate of postpartum depression among women who underwent cesarean delivery, particularly those with unplanned procedures, low educational levels, and multiparity. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness, early screening, and strong support systems to promote maternal mental health during the postpartum period.