Postpartum Depression among Mothers: A Comparative Analysis of Gender, Birth Order, and Socioeconomic Status

Abstract

Background: The study aims to investigate the presence of postpartum depression among women giving birth to boys against women giving birth to girl children, its relationship with birth order, and socio-economic status.

Method: 240 mothers delivering babies were approached from the hospitals. The age range of the sample was from 18-45 years. A purposive sampling technique was used based on a cross-sectional design. Edinburgh Post-natal Depressive Scale and demographic datasheet were used. T-test, Correlation, and Regression were applied.

Results: The findings revealed that women giving birth to a girl child are more depressed than the ones giving birth to a boy child; birth order is positively correlated to post-partum depression. Women from low socio-economic status are more depressed than the ones from the middle and upper classes. The age of the mother, year of marriage, socioeconomic status, and gender of the recent child have positive significant effects on low scores on EPDS. Where, the occupation of the mother, family structure, and birth order are negative predictors of low scores on EPDS. The results further reveal that birth order, years of marriage, and gender of recent child have positive significant effects on PPD. Where the age of the mother, occupation of the mother, family structure, and socioeconomic status are negative predictors of PPD.

Conclusion: The current study will allow us to explore and identify the possible triggering factors of postpartum depression and take precautionary measures for women predisposed to postpartum depression by diminishing the contributing factors.