EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF PATIENT COUNSELLING ON MEDICATION ADHERENCE AMONG PATIENTS WITH POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health disorder that affects women after childbirth and may adversely affect maternal health and quality of life. This prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate the impact of patient counseling on medication adherence among postpartum depression patients. A total of 120 patients were enrolled and assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and a Medication Adherence Questionnaire. Structured patient counseling was provided regarding disease awareness, medication adherence, and follow-up care. The results showed that moderate depression was the most common category (46.7%), and low medication adherence was observed in 46.7% of patients at baseline. Following counseling, high medication adherence increased from 20.0% to 56.7%, while low adherence decreased from 46.7% to 13.3%. The mean EPDS score significantly reduced from 17.8 ± 4.2 to 10.6 ± 3.8 (p < 0.001). The study concludes that patient counseling significantly improves medication adherence and reduces the severity of postpartum depression. Integrating counseling services into routine postpartum care may enhance treatment outcomes and maternal mental well-being.