Depression and domestic violence experiences among postpartum women in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Postpartum Depression is an important cause of maternal and infant morbidity as well as mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of postpartum depression and domestic violence experience as well as to identify association of postpartum depression with domestic violence experiences and other factors among women in Nepal.

Methods: The study was a cross sectional hospital-based research conducted in Kathmandu, Nepal among women who were 6 weeks to 6 months postpartum; chosen by simple random sampling. Self-report questionnaire was used

Results: The prevalence of PPD was found to be 20.7% while that of the different forms of domestic violence ranged between 10% and 44.5%. History of mental illness (OR= 8.26), family history of mental illness (OR= 2.84), unplanned pregnancy (OR= 3.2), Low Birth Weight of infant (OR= 3.6), Psychological Violence in the past year (OR= 8.3), Physical violence in the past year (OR= 7.6) and Childhood Sexual Abuse (OR= 12.7) were found to increase the odds of PPD.

Discussion: The findings of the study unequivocally shows the association between different factors, most notable among which is domestic violence and PPD. Maternal mental health is a neglected area of healthcare in Nepal. Likewise, domestic violence is a readily recognized, but inadequately addressed social issue. We recommend that healthcare workers be trained to recognize and support the women who are vulnerable to violence and depression during pregnancy and postpartum. Policies need to be developed at national levels to tackle these issues with utmost urgency.