Quality of sleep and its association with depression among postpartum women in an urban slum, bengaluru: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Sleep is essential for physical and mental health, and its quality is affected by numerous factors. Postpartum

women, especially those living in urban slums, often encounter increased sleep disruptions, raising their risk of

depression. Around 10-42% of women worldwide suffer from postpartum depression.

Objectives

To assess the association of poor sleep quality with postpartum depression, social, environmental and psycho

cultural factors among postpartum women in an urban slum of Bengaluru.

Materials/Methods

A cross-sectional study was done among postpartum women in an urban slum in Bengaluru in 2024. 100 postpartum

women were selected using a simple random sampling method, based on a study by Iranpour et al. written informed

consent was obtained, and the participants were interviewed using a semi-structured, pretested questionnaire,

along with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

Results

The mean age of the mothers was 26±3.9 years, with 16% reporting poor sleep quality and 18% experiencing

depression. Poor sleep quality was significantly associated with depression (p = 0.001), mood swings (p = 0.008),

intimate partner violence (p = 0.001), pressure to have a male baby (p < 0.0001), and emotional support (p = 0.0005).

Conclusion

This study highlights a significant prevalence of poor sleep quality and depression among postpartum women in an

urban slum in Bengaluru. There is a strong association between poor sleep, depression, and various socio

environmental factors, emphasising the need for targeted interventions like improving living conditions, creating

safe environments, addressing substance abuse, and regular mental health screening and counselling to support

maternal mental health in underserved communities.