The Relationship between Post-Natal Depression, Somatization and Behaviour in Malaysian Women

Abstract

This study evaluated the rate of post-natal depression (PND) in a Malaysian population, investigated the relationship between belief systems and PND, and examined the relationship between PND and somatization. The sample included 154 consecutive attendees for a 6-week post-natal check at a general hospital well-baby clinic in Kuala Lumpur. Patients were assessed using the Edinburgh Post-Natal Depression Score (EPNDS), the Bradford Somatisation Inventory (BSI), and a questionnaire to assess beliefs about pregnancy and childbirth. The rate of PND was 3.9%. EPNDS and BSI were moderately correlated. Women who practised specific post-natal practices had a higher EPNDS and BSI than those who did not. The rate of PND is lower than in Western studies but similar to that seen in other Asian countries. The correlation between BSI and EPNDS suggest that the BSI will not detect cases missed by the EPNDS.