Assessment of postpartum psychological disorders among women in Rangpur Division, Bangladesh: An analytical cross-sectional study.

Original Article

Abstract

Background: Postpartum psychological disorders, including depression, anxiety, and perceived stress, are major public health concerns that adversely affect maternal well-being, infant development, and family functioning. Women living in low-resource settings such as Bangladesh are particularly vulnerable because of limited access to mental health services, inadequate social support, and socioeconomic challenges.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of postpartum depression, anxiety, and perceived stress among postpartum women in Rangpur Division and to identify associated sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychosocial factors.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 postpartum women aged ≥18 years who were 6–14 weeks postpartum and attending five healthcare facilities in Rangpur Division, Bangladesh. Participants were selected using cluster sampling over six months. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests, while Poisson regression with robust standard errors was performed to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of participants was 26.4 ± 4.2 years, and 70% resided in rural areas. Probable postpartum depression (EPDS ≥13) was identified in 28% of participants, 32% experienced moderate-to-severe anxiety, and 25% reported high perceived stress. Women with poor social support had a significantly higher prevalence of probable postpartum depression (aPR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.32–2.46; p < 0.001). Unintended pregnancy was independently associated with moderate-to-severe anxiety (aPR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.15–2.21; p = 0.005).

Conclusion: Postpartum psychological disorders are common among women in Rangpur Division, particularly among those with poor social support and unintended pregnancies. Routine postpartum mental health screening using validated instruments, together with counseling services, community-based psychosocial support, and targeted interventions for high-risk women, should be integrated into maternal healthcare services to improve maternal mental health outcomes in Bangladesh.