High Prevalence of Postpartum Depression Among Women in Kerala: Study

A recent study conducted by BioScience Biotechnology Research Communication in 2023 revealed that up to 28 per cent of mothers in Kerala experience Postpartum depression (PPD) after pregnancy. Surprisingly, the study also found that many of those who experience PPD don’t recognize it as a mental health problem. The research involved 150 mothers aged 25 to 40 from Kerala, where only 53.9 per cent had heard about postpartum depression, while 77.3 per cent showed symptoms resembling PPD. Among them, 28.3 per cent had PPD for six months, and 24.2 per cent experienced it for one year. This sheds light on the need for awareness and support for new mothers facing mental health challenges in the postpartum period.

In a related study published in November 2023 in the journal Current Women’s Health Review, it was found that 26.2 per cent of 427 women experienced PPD for two weeks to up to six months following pregnancy. This study, which focused on hospitals in the state, emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing postpartum mental health concerns among women in Kerala. The findings highlight the significance of creating awareness about PPD, providing necessary support systems, and encouraging open discussions to destigmatize mental health issues related to childbirth in the region.