Analysis Of Postpartum Maternal Depression Level In Makassar

ABSTRACT Postpartum depression can negatively impact the health of mothers, children and families. Postpartum depression affects the interaction between mother and baby. Mothers with postpartum depression are more likely to express negative attitudes towards their babies. The breakdown of the mother-infant relationship at an early age has a major impact on a child's development. Globally, the prevalence of postpartum depression in the world varies from 6.5% to 15% during 1 year after delivery. Because of this, depression really needs special attention to psychiatric disorders. The effects of postpartum depression can disrupt intimacy and attachment because depressed mothers are often disinterested in their babies and refuse to breastfeed them. The aim of this research is to determine the level of depression in postpartum mothers and to determine the relationship between respondent characteristics and the level of depression in postpartum pregnant women. The research method used was a quantitative method with a descriptive approach and sample determination using a cluster random sampling technique which took place from 19 May – 30 September. This research was conducted by giving questionnaires containing the EPDS and PSSQ to 200 postpartum mothers. The results of the study were analyzed using frequency analysis and the chi-squere test and it was found that out of 200 respondents only 73 people were not depressed while 147 people were already in the depression category. This proves that the high number of psychological problems experienced by postpartum mothers with their new role as mothers. Psychological changes in the mother can have an impact on the mother and of course on the baby, it is not uncommon for depressed mothers to leave their children alone even in more severe cases if left untreated, where the mother chooses to end her life and that of her baby.