Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health concern, particularly in low-resource settings where access to mental health care is often limited. The condition can adversely affect maternal health, infant development, and family dynamics, necessitating effective identification and management strategies.

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of postpartum depression and assess the effectiveness of management strategies in low-resource settings.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Civil Hospital Kahuta Rawalpindi from October 2023 to September 2024. A total of 80 postpartum women were recruited using purposive sampling. Participants were screened for PPD using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and those with positive findings were assessed further through clinical interviews. Management strategies, including counseling and pharmacotherapy, were implemented based on the severity of symptoms, and outcomes were monitored over a six-month period.

Results: The prevalence of postpartum depression in the study population was found to be 45%, with a higher occurrence among women with limited social support and financial constraints. Counseling was provided to all diagnosed cases, while 33% required additional pharmacological intervention. After four weeks of management, 75% of participants reported significant improvement in depressive symptoms, with better outcomes observed in those who adhered to the recommended treatment protocols.

Conclusion: Postpartum depression was prevalent in a substantial proportion of women in low-resource settings. Tailored management strategies, combining counseling and pharmacotherapy, proved effective in alleviating symptoms. The findings underscore the need for integrating mental health services into maternal care programs in low-resource settings to ensure early detection and intervention for PPD.

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