Socio-demographic risk factors of postpartum depression among parents of newborns in Colombo

Kariyawasam, Lasara and Gunasekara, H (2016) Socio-demographic risk factors of postpartum depression among parents of newborns in Colombo. Premarathne, Udayangani (ed.) In Book of Abstracts The 2nd International Conference on Public Health (ICOPH 2016). International Institute of Knowledge Management. p. 173 .

Abstract

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a disorder experienced by parents who consistently fail to adapt to parenthood and is characterized by a set of depressive symptoms following childbirth. Identifying and addressing issues surrounding PPD is crucial in order to create a nurturing environment for newborns. Past research has identified distinct socio-demographic variables such as the age of parent, number of living children, household income, marital satisfaction and social support as risk factors in predicting PPD. Recent studies also highlight the importance of identifying fathers at risk of PPD. This study aimed to fill an important research gap in Sri Lanka and explored demographic and social factors that predict PPD among fathers and mothers of newborns. Two self-administered questionnaires validated in Sinhala (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and The Revised-Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory), were completed by 169 participants (87 females and 82 males). Participants were recruited using methods of convenience sampling through Maternity and Child Welfare Centers in Colombo, with the assistance of Special Grade Nursing Officers, Midwives and the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Colombo Municipal Council. Analysis using appropriate statistical procedures showed that there was a significant relationship between marital satisfaction, social support and PPD. Mothers showed significantly higher PPD scores than fathers. Age of parent and number of children did not have a significant impact on PPD. These results highlight the importance of examining PPD and creating awareness about risk factors. This study paved way to further extensive studies and created a foundation for intervention programmes aimed at parents at risk of developing PPD.

This record has no associated files available for download.

Contributors

Author: Lasara Kariyawasam

Download statistics