Post-partum depression and the mother-infant relationship in a South African peri-urban settlement

Background Post-partum depression in the developing world has received tittle research attention, and its association with disturbances in the mother–infant relationship is unknown. Aims To determine the prevalence of post-partum depression and associated disturbances in the mother–infant relationship in Khayelitsha, a South African peri-urban settlement. Method The mental state of 147 women who had delivered two months previously was assessed, and the quality of their engagement with their infants was determined. Results The point prevalence of DSM–IV major depression was found to be 34.7%. Maternal depression was associated with poor emotional and practical support from the partner. It was also associated with insensitive engagement with the infants. Conclusions The rate of post-partum depression in Khayelitsha was around three times that found in British post-partum samples, and these depressions were strongly associated with disturbances in the mother–infant relationship.