A Prospective Observational Study to Find out the Characteristics of Postpartum Depression (PPD) and to Assess the Impact of Pharmacist Led Counselling among the Females with PPD

Objectives: The study aimed to identify patterns of postpartum depression prevalence, risk factors and to assess the impact of pharmacist-led counselling among depressed postnatal. Methods: This was a Prospective Observational study conducted with a sample of 120 women. PPD screening was done using DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) and EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression) questionnaires on the 1st day postpartum, and even on the 2nd and 4th week postnatal. The depressed women were given interventional treatment for supportive counselling. Results: The prevalence rate of PPD using EPDS was 34.17% on 1st day postpartum, 37.5%, and 4.16% on the 2nd and 4th week postpartum respectively. Similarly, using DASS-21 it was found 21.67%, 15.83%, and 2.5%. The associated risk factors were women’s age (<30), lower education, number of child (>2), more than one girl children, Adverse life related events, and low level or lack of support from partner and In-laws. DASS-21 scale was useful screening tool than the EPDS scale. After providing counselling the number of depressed women decreased. Conclusion: High prevalence rate of PPD was found in which socio-cultural factors play a major role. Sometimes anxiety and stress co-exist with depression, thus it is postnatal distress that should be aimed for and for which an efficient screening tool should be used.