Comparison of EPDS Scores Among Women with Good Neonatal Outcomes and Adverse Neonatal Outcomes

A comparative, questionnaire-based study among postpartum patients was conducted using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. 80 women who had good neonatal outcomes were compared with 80 women who had adverse neonatal outcomes. Demographic characteristics were similar between the groups. The average EPDS score in those with good neonatal outcomes was lesser than that of those with adverse neonatal outcome (10.07 vs11.04, p 0.045). Using the cut-off value of 9, the proportion of women who tested positive (higher chance of PPD) was statistically significantly higher (p value 0.0488) in adverse neonatal outcomes group (45% vs 28.75%). This result showed that women who have experienced stillbirth/ neonatal mortality or had neonates who needed NICU care have a higher propensity for PPD. This implies that women who have experienced stillbirth/neonatal mortality should be considered for prioritization in screening for PPD. PPD screening, even if not done routinely, should be done in this selected group (adverse perinatal outcomes group) on priority.