Abstract
Objective: To assess the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and identify associated sociodemographic and risk factors, focusing on mode of delivery, among postpartum women in a tertiary care hospital in Southern Punjab, Pakistan.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study recruited 308 married women within three months postpartum via non-probability convenience sampling at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. A structured questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were used. Statistical analysis involved descriptive analysis and bi-variate and multivariate binary logistic regression, with p<0.05 indicating significance.
Results: The study found a PPD prevalence of 52.3% (n=161/308). Despite bivariate analysis showing a statistically significant connection (p=0.007), the multivariable logistic regression analysis did not show mode of delivery as an independent predictor (AOR=1.090, 95% CI: 0.620–1.918, p=0.764). Independent risk factors included younger maternal age, non-satisfactory physical health, lack of confidence in parenting skills, presence of low self-esteem issues, and a history of depression or psychiatric problems.
Conclusion: PPD is highly prevalent and multifactorial in this setting. Identified independent risk factors highlight critical areas for comprehensive screening and tailored psychosocial interventions, especially targeting younger mothers and those with pre-existing vulnerabilities or lower self-efficacy.

Key words: Postpartum depression, cesarean section, mental health, normal vaginal delivery, Pakistan.