Prevalence of Postpartum Psychological Distress in Siriraj Hospital

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with postpartum psychological distress. This study was designed as a descriptive, prospective study set in the postpartum wards of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. A total of 275 postpartum woman were admitted to the postpartum wards at Siriraj Hospital. The 12-item Goldberg Health Questionnaire, Thai edition (12-item Thai GHQ), was used to interview each subject during the first 48 hours after delivery. Postpartum psychological distress was diagnosed when the 12-item Thai GHQ score was ≥ 2. Of 275 postpartum woman included in this study, the prevalence of psychological distress was found to be 34.2% (95% CI 28.7-40.2). Significant associated risk factors, as determined by logistic regression analysis, included age > 35 years old (adjusted OR 8.58, 95% CI 2.24-32.84), fair husband relationship (adjusted OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.11-3.57), poor husband relationship (adjusted OR 4.00, 95% CI 1.76-9.08), and poor family support (adjusted OR 5.40, 95% CI 1.34-21.70. Our findings indicated that the prevalence of postpartum psychological distress in Siriraj Hospital was 34.2%. Significant risk factors included age over 35 years old, fair to poor husband relationship and poor family support during pregnancy. Understanding such risks might lead to the development of preventive measures for the condition, as well as early diagnosis and treatment to reduce the severity among high-risk or affected woman. Further studies are required for more extensive exploration of this condition.