Postpartum Depression Relating to Smoking and Drinking Habits of Husbands Among Rajbanshi Mothers in Nepal

Dr. Nawa Raj 2018-11-28

Nawa Raj Subba*, Shishir Subba.

To cite this article:

Nawa Raj Subba, Shishir Subba. Postpartum Depression Relating to Smoking and Drinking Habits of Husbands Among Rajbanshi Mothers in Nepal. American Journal of Health Research. Vol.3, No. 5, 2015, pp. 293-297.doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.20150305.15.

Corresponding Author: Nawa Raj Subba. Email Id: [email protected]

Abstract

This is a cross-sectional study on postpartum depression (PPD) among Rajbanshi mothers in Nepal. The objective of the study was to find out the prevalence rate of PPD and association between PPD in mothers with smoking/drinking habits of the husbands and perceived stress among Rajbanshi community. Quantitative methods employed using semi-structured questionnaires. The sample size was 375 households from Morang, Jhapa, and Sunsari districts. Data collected by in-depth interviews with mothers. Researcher filled the semi-structured questionnaires asked on workload, sleep, perceived stress and treatment history using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale during interviews. In the findings, PPD and maternal stress associated with husband’s smoking/drinking habits. Prevalence of PPD was 12.27% in sampled Rajbanshi mothers (EPDS cutoff≥13). PPD in mothers finds associated with maternal stress (P= <.0001) and smoking habit of the husband (P=<.0001) which are statistically highly significant. Similarly, sleeplessness in mothers associated with smoking (P=<.005) and drinking (P= <.0001) habits of husbands are also statistically highly significant. In conclusion, PPD among Rajbanshi mothers associates with a smoking habit of the husband. Both smoking and drinking habits of husbands were responsible for causing maternal stress and sleeplessness in mothers and these factors associated with PPD. Smoking and drinking habits of husbands find out risk factors for PPD and perceived stress in her wife. To deal successfully with the poor situation of PPD among Rajbanshi mothers need to change smoking/drinking habits of husbands, raise awareness on health as well as the socio-economic development of the community. Preview/Download

Last updated on 2018-11-28

Dr. Nawa Raj

Dr. Nawa Raj Subba is a public health specialist who has more than three and a half decades of experience working in public healthcare management at the Ministry of Health and Population in Nepal. In the spirit of public-private partnerships to expand access to health care in rural communities in Eastern Nepal, he played a vital role in leading operational research. He has also independently researched public health and intercultural psychology in Nepal. He published his works in books and journals. Nepali literature, culture, and music recognized him as an author. He has written artistic and cultural texts and CDs. His work has been acknowledged and appreciated by civil society, the government of Nepal, and abroad. He is now involved in Public Health and Intercultural Psychology studies in Nepal.

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