POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: A SURVEY OF THE INCIDENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG MALAY WOMEN IN BERIS KUBOR BESAR, BACHOK, KELANTAN

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and associated risk factors of postpartum depression among Malay women in Beris Kubor Besar, Bachok, Kelantan The study was conducted between February to August 1998. A two-stage population survey approach was employed. Firstly, all the women who delivered between the months of February and May 1998 in the catchment area were identified. In stage 1, the 30 items GHQ was used as the screening instrument at 6 to 8 weeks postpartum. All the potential cases (scoring above 6 on the questionnaire) were later interviewed using the CIS in stage 2 of the study. Diagnosis of postpartum depression was only made if the women fulfilled required criteria. Of the 174 women who were recruited, 17 of them fulfilled the criteria for postpartum depression yielding an incidence rate of 9.8 %. The condition was found to be significantly linked to low income or socioeconomic status, having marital problems (mainly financial in nature) and not breast - feeding.