A comparative study of anxiety and depression among adolescents, postpartum and menopausal women of rural and urban areas

Introduction: The fact that women play various roles in life, considering their life quality and mental health is an effective step for strengthening family and community foundations. In specific groups like adolescence, postpartum and menopausal women have psychiatric illness like Anxiety and Depression significantly high where there is significant hormonal disturbances. It is a randomized comparative study between three groups. Aims & Objectives: The study is aimed to identify the prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in adolescent girls, postpartum women and menopausal women attending outpatient clinic in NRIIMS, Sangivalasa using HAD's scale. Once prevalence is identified, the next aim is to identify the cause of Anxiety and Depression. To establish high scale counseling sessions in the Adolescent and menopausal clinics of NRIIMS. Methodology: The study was a prospective randomized survey among adolescent girls, postpartum women and menopausal women. Data collection was done by instant messaging applications. Survey was conducted from August 2019- September 2020. Total number of subjects are 100 among which 35 are menopausal women, 35 are postpartum women and 30 are adolescent girls. Results: The prevalence of anxiety (35%) is more than depression (33%) in study population. Among 3 groups, anxiety is more in postpartum women(37%) , compared to menopausal women(34% ) and adolescent girls(33.3%) . Whereas Depression is seen in 40% highest among menopausal women compared to adolescent girls (36.6%) and postpartum women (22.8%). Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for extensive awareness, identification and to provide specialised psychiatric services to overcome the mental health diseases among vulnerable age groups in women. Thereby strengthening and improving their quality of life.