A one year hospital based cross sectional study of post-partum depression in mothers with neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of KAHER, JNMC - Dr. Prabhakar Kore Charitable Hospital and MRC, Belagavi, Karnataka.

This study aims to estimate the prevalence of postpartum depression in the mothers with neonates admitted to NICU and also to determine the socio-demographic, maternal and neonatal factors associated with it.

This observational, hospital based, cross sectional study conducted in KAHER, JNMC - Dr Prabhakar Kore Charitable Hospital and MRC, Belagavi, Karnataka for a period of one year involve mothers with neonates admitted in NICU. The present study involves systematic random sampling technique and the methodology and data collection procedure include mothers with neonates admitted in NICU, who are called at around 6 to 10 weeks postpartum for an interview to screen for postpartum depression. Telecommunication method is also encouraged.

Currently, postpartum depression screening is not regarded as a standard of care. But recommendations suggest health care providers should assess and monitor postpartum depression symptoms throughout the initial year of childbirth.

Due to time constraints, negligence and concerns about the social acceptability of screening, these disorders are often undiagnosed and untreated. Additionally, there is limited exploration of this field in Indian studies. Thus, the current study was initiated to assess postpartum depression in mothers with neonates admitted in NICU.