Incidence of postpartum depression and associated risk factors among women attending a tertiary health care hospital in Tamil Nadu

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) remains underdiagnosed, impacting maternal and infant health. The period of postpartum is marked by significant physiological and psychosocial changes, increasing susceptibility to depressive episodes. Objectives: This study estimated the incidence of PPD, identified the risk factors associated with it, and compared the rates following normal vaginal delivery and cesarean section in the tertiary care centre of Tamil Nadu. Methods: This prospective observational study involved 1030 postpartum mothers at the Government Medical College Hospital, Tirupur, over six months. The screening tools used were the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 48 hours, 2 weeks and 6 weeks after childbirth. A score of 13 and above on the EPDS ruled out PPD. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and child-related variables were included. Results: The incidence of PPD (EPDS ?13) decreased from 20.1% at 48 hours to 7.7% at 6 weeks postpartum. Caesarean deliveries showed a lower PPD prevalence (18.8%) compared to normal vaginal deliveries (30.5%; p