Mapping Barriers to Help-Seeking for Perinatal Depression Among Urban and Rural Women in Odisha, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.161020255820Keywords:
Depression, Pregnancy, Prevalence, Help-seeking behaviour, Barrier, IndiaAbstract
Background: Mental health concerns during the perinatal period are a growing global issue, particularly in low-resource settings like India, where cultural and social factors shape women's responses to emotional distress. The study aimed to examine help-seeking behaviours among perinatal women with depression in rural and urban areas of Khordha district, Odisha, and to identify barriers to accessing both formal and informal sources of support.
Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between August and November 2024 among 642 pregnant and postpartum women aged 18 years and above, selected through multistage sampling. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used for screening and assessment. Of the total, 193 women with depressive symptoms were included for analysing help-seeking patterns using SPSS version 25.
Results: Rural women were more likely to seek support from healthcare providers and family members, while both groups reported barriers such as stigma, lack of awareness, and distance to health facilities. Emotional distress was frequently linked to financial concerns, overthinking, and family disputes.
Conclusion: Addressing maternal mental health requires context-specific strategies that reduce stigma, increase awareness, and improve access to care in both urban and rural communities.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Deepanjali Behera, Manas Ranjan Behera, Jogita Khamari , Simanchal Behera
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