Association of vitamin D levels and postpartum depression

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the association of vitamin D levels and postpartum depression.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Study Duration: 26^th April 2016 to 25^th October 2016.

Settings: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, PIMS Hospital, Islamabad

Materials & Methods: A total of 60 pregnant females were the part of the study where 30 pregnant females with Serum levels of 25(OH) D3 levels ≤ 20 ng/ml and 30 pregnant females with Serum levels of 25(OH) D3 levels > 20 ng/ml of age 20-35 years were selected. Group A (exposed group) included all pregnant females with Serum levels of 25(OH)D3 levels ≤ 20 ng/ml while Group B (unexposed group) included all pregnant females with Serum levels of 25(OH)D3 levels > 20 ng/ml. All cases were followed and outcome variable like post-partum depression was noted.

Results: The mean age of women in group A was 30.20 ± 5.80 years and in the group, B was 30.13 ± 6.04 years. The mean gestational age in group A was 38.73 ± 1.23 weeks and in the group, B was 38.93 ± 1.05 weeks. The mean parity in group A was 2.13 ± 0.82 and in the group, B was 1.93 ± 1.01. In my study, there is a higher incidence of postpartum depression in women with vitamin D deficiency compared to those with normal vitamin D levels i.e. 73.33% vs 13.33% respectively with a p-value of 0.0004 and a relative risk of 5.50.  

Conclusion: Finally, this study concluded that there is a higher incidence of postpartum depression in women with vitamin D levels deficiency compared to those with normal vitamin D levels.

Keywords: post-partum depression, vitamin D deficiency.