POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC SITUATION

Abstract

Covid-19 pandemic conditions have the potential to increase postpartum stress disorders. Postpartum
depression (PPD) is a serious emotional/psychological function (mental disorder) that affects 10% -20% of
mothers and mostly occurs in the first three months after birth. The effects of PPD are very serious for the
mother, and the whole family 20% of maternal mortality in the course of delivery after delivery and also to
infant mortality and morbidity. This study aims to determine the incidence of postpartum depression when the
Covid-19 pandemic occurs. The research design used was cross-sectional using anonymous online questionnare.
The research subjects were postpartum mothers at 1-24 weeks among 106 respondents. Retrieval of data using
the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) questionnaire includes 10 questions and respondent
characteristics that are distributed online. The results showed that the incidence of PPD reached 28.3%. The
proportion of PPD incidence increased based on postpartum time: 10% at less than one month, 32% at 1 month,
19% at 2 months, 31.3% at 3 months and 35.3% at 4 months and over. The various psychological impacts of a
pandemic are additional in addition to the psychological impacts on post partum mothers themselves. Certain
precautions associated with risk factors need to be carried out through early diagnosis and intervention to
minimize PPD and increase the psychological resilience of mothers following childbirth.