Assess the risk factors and level of postpartum depression among postnatal mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus in selected urban health centre at Chennai

Aim of the study: To Assess the level of depression among postnatal mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus. Background: Postnatal depression is the most frequent psychiatric disorder seen after childbirth, with a prevalence rate of 10% to 15%. The women at risk need to be identified by a valid and reliable method, either using a screening instrument or an interview schedule. Postnatal depression rates have increased significantly over the past 50 years, up from 8% in the 1950s to 27% today (and with a further 25% also feeling that they've possibly suffered). Why is this? There’s more support available than in decades past, and more people are accessing it. The study can't give us specific causes, but it's noticeable that fewer of us have enough contact with our families these days, and that more of us are working than previously. Modern day stresses, along with less day to day practical support through the tough times, seems to be resulting in an ever advancing epidemic. While the prevalence of GDM is increasing regardless of how it is defined, point estimates depend greatly on the population studied as well as the diagnostic criteria employed to identify GDM. Design: Quantitative design. Methods: The research approach used for this study was quantitative approach and descriptive research design. The study was conducted for a period of 4 weeks. The total study sample is 60 postnatal mothers were selected by purposive sampling technique. The demographic and associated risk factors of postpartum depression data was collected by structured interview questionnaires and edinburgh depression scale was used to assess the level of depression. Result: There was a statistically significant association between the age, occupation, type of family with the level of depression among mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus at P<0.05, P<0.01 level respectively. Conclusion: Several measures have been created to detect depressive symptomatology in women who have recently given birth; the development of a postpartum depression screening program requires careful consideration further research studies.