Page 190 - EJMO-9-2

Eurasian Journal of
Medicine and Oncology Prevalence of PPD in Baghdad

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression recognizing the risk factors for PPD allows healthcare
that may manifest at any point of time within a year providers to execute early preventive measures for
following childbirth; however, it predominantly occurs vulnerable women. 11
within the initial 4 weeks post-delivery and may diminish This study aims to evaluate the incidence of PPD in
after 3 months. Characterized by a high prevalence rate, mothers; to ascertain the risk variables that contribute
2
PPD affects 10 – 15% of women post-delivery, with a higher to the onset of PPD; to assess the impact of PPD on
incidence in low- and middle-income countries compared child-rearing and aspirations for further pregnancies; and
to affluent nations. In Asian countries, the prevalence to examine the correlation between social factors and PPD.
of this illness varies from 7% to 33%. It is crucial to
3,4
differentiate between PPD and baby blues. Postpartum 2. Methods
blues are commonly reported by women as a transient phase
of melancholy and apprehension following childbirth, 2.1. Study participants
generally persisting for only a few days and commencing A study was conducted at four basic health care centers in
immediately after delivery. Conversely, PPD occurs when Baghdad, Iraq, over the course of 2 months, from January
a woman exhibits severe symptoms, such as intense 18 to February 25, 2024. An equal number of study
melancholy, anxiety, lethargy, irritability, episodes of sobbing, participants were recruited from each of the healthcare
and alterations in sleep or appetite. These symptoms often facilities. Women who were in their 6 – 8 weeks
th
th
manifest for 1 week to 1 month post-childbirth and may postpartum were selected randomly using systematic
last for duration of 2 weeks to even 1 year. 5 random sampling from a group of women who were
It is believed that a mix of mental and physical factors recruited for this study.
contribute to PPD. Changes in hormones, sleep inadequacy, The sample size was determined by using the Cochran
a previous history of PPD or bipolar disorder, a family formula, with an error margin of 0.05 and a confidence
history of depression, mental stress, problems encountered range of 95%: 12
during labor, not having enough support, and substance
use disorder are all possible causes of PPD, but the exact n = [(z)² × P(1-P)]/α²,
cause remains to be determined. Diagnosing PPD is a where n is sample size; z is Z score; P is population size;
6
challenging endeavor due to the prevalence of alterations and α is margin of error.
in sleep habits, appetite, and pronounced exhaustion in
women following childbirth. Given that PPD is a prevalent The sample size recommended by the Cochran formula
7
problem impacting the standard of living for both moms is 384, which was subsequently increased to 400. The data
and their infants, it is advisable to do a PPD screening were acquired through direct interviews conducted using
during postpartum evaluations. 8 a standardized questionnaire, which was revised based
on the study’s objectives after analyzing the pertinent
Numerous self-report instruments, such as the existing research. 13,14 Women with chronic illnesses and
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), can be used pre-existing psychological disorders were excluded from
to assess PPD, and this straightforward scoring test can the study. The survey comprised two segments: The initial
be completed in five minutes and demonstrates adequate portion of the survey collected the sociodemographic
specificity as well as sensitivity. The adverse effects of and historical obstetric data of the participants including
9
postnatal depressive illness include both immediate and their age, educational attainment, employment position,
long-term complications for mother and infant. Immediate residential location, parity, and number of abortions.
complications include physical health issues, suicide or The second section of the survey focused on the present
infanticide, prolonged psychiatric problems, weakened obstetric history of the participants including maternal
emotional bonding with the infant, and disrupted emotional health, gestational duration, delivery complications,
development of the baby. Prolonged consequences may pregnancy planning, the infant’s sex and parental
encompass social and cognitive repercussions for the child, preferences regarding sex, relevant variables, historical
psychiatric disorders in the youngster, marital dissolution, psychosocial data, familial mental health history, family
and subsequent mental health issues. 10 support, spousal relationships, and inquiries about future
PPD is largely avoidable, and most therapies are pregnancy intentions or desires.
effective in patients who have been identified in the early
stage of PPD. The key to preventing PPD is identifying 2.2. EPDS assessment of PPD
the associated risk factors. Furthermore, as women with To examine the signs of postnatal depression, a standard
depression are less inclined to seek professional assistance, Arabic version of EPDS was used, with a cutoff point

Volume 9 Issue 2 (2025) 182 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.8528