Original Articles Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): Bioscience Insights Published 2026-10-06

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IN PRIMIPAROUS AND MULTIPAROUS MOTHERS

Authors

  • Dr Qurat Ul Ain Khan Assistant Professor Anatomy, Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry Pakistan Author
  • Romesa Nadeem Final Year MBBS Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry Pakistan Author
  • Rubab Zahra inal Year MBBS Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry Pakistan Author
  • Waniya Imran Final Year MBBS Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry Pakistan Author
  • Rubab Shaikh Final Year MBBS Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry Pakistan Author
  • Yusra Khan Final Year MBBS Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry Pakistan Author
  • Sahil Kumar Final Year MBBS Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry Pakistan Author
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Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health condition affecting mothers after childbirth, with implications for maternal and child well-being.

Objective: To compare the prevalence and severity of PDD between primiparous and multiparous mothers using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2025 at multiple care centers in Karachi. A total of 240 postpartum women aged 18–45 years within one year of delivery were enrolled, including 120 primiparous and 120 multiparous mothers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire capturing sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychosocial factors, along with EPDS scores. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and logistic regression analysis were performed to assess PPD prevalence, severity, and associated predictors. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Among 240 participants, 32 primiparous mothers (26.67%) and 45 multiparous mothers (37.50%) screened positive for PPD (χ² = 3.12, p = 0.077). Severity analysis showed that 14 primiparous mothers (11.67%) and 20 multiparous mothers (16.67%) had severe depression, with a higher proportion of moderate-to-severe PPD in multiparous women. Significant predictors of PPD included multiparity (AOR 1.68, p = 0.041), inadequate spousal support (AOR 2.86, p < 0.001), inadequate family support (AOR 2.35, p = 0.002), past depression (AOR 3.42, p < 0.001), non-breastfeeding (AOR 2.18, p = 0.034), lack of PPD awareness (AOR 1.79, p = 0.046), and presence of suicidal thoughts (AOR 4.12, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: PDD is prevalent among both primiparous and multiparous mothers, with psychosocial support, prior depression, and awareness playing key roles

Keywords

  • Postpartum depression, Primiparous, Multiparous, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Prevalence, Risk factors.

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