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Epidemiology

Postpartum Depression Prevalence in India Exceeds 19%

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study utilizing a comprehensive meta-analysis of descriptive epidemiological studies has determined the prevalence of major depression in post-partum women and its associated risk factors across all ages in India. The research, conducted by the Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, used a random effects model to estimate the prevalence of post-partum depression in India from 2020 to 2024, which is 19% (CI = 95: 15-23%). The study found a higher prevalence of post-partum depression in Southern India, community settings, urban areas, and among older post-partum women.

Key Takeaways:

  • The prevalence of post-partum depression in India from 2020 to 2024 is estimated to be 19% (CI = 95: 15-23%).
  • Older post-partum women have a higher prevalence of post-partum depression compared to younger ones.
  • Heterogeneity for prevalence was found to be 97%.
  • The sub-group analysis found a higher prevalence of post-partum depression in Southern India (22% CI = 95: 15-31%), community settings (19% CI = 95: 15-23%), urban areas (19% CI = 95: 15-24%), studies using study instruments other than EPDS scale (22% CI = 95: 11-39), and publication year 2024 (25% CI = 95: 17-36).
  • The study concludes that effective measures need to be taken to control all the risk factors found in this study to control postpartum depression in India.

Statistics:

  • Prevalence of post-partum depression in India from 2020 to 2024: 19% (CI = 95: 15-23%).
  • Heterogeneity for prevalence: 97%.
  • Prevalence of post-partum depression in Southern India: 22% (CI = 95: 15-31).
  • Prevalence of post-partum depression in community settings: 19% (CI = 95: 12-28).
  • Prevalence of post-partum depression in urban areas: 19% (CI = 95: 15-24).
  • Prevalence of post-partum depression among studies using study instruments other than EPDS scale: 22% (CI = 95: 11-39).
  • Prevalence of post-partum depression in publication year 2024: 25% (CI = 95: 17-36).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Studies Conducted at Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research on Postpartum Depression Recently Reported (Barriers To Mental Health In Post-partum Women In India: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 37.
  • Barriers To Mental Health In Post-partum Women In India: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 2025;387.

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