Anxiety, depression and stress among the husbands of obstetric cases at Karachi.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the level of Anxiety, Depression and Stress among the Husbands of Obstetric Cases.


METHODS
This hospital-based prospective study was conducted at Karachi, during the year 1998. A semi-structured proforma along with Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HAD) and Life Events Scale were administered to the consenting spouses of obstetric cases.


RESULTS
Only 23% of lower socio-economic group husbands accompanied their wives to the hospital compared to 70% of the higher socio-economic group. Out of the 56% of husbands of 82 consecutive obstetric cases interviewed, 13% of those whose wives were NVD showed anxiety and depression as compared to 25% of those with Cesarean Section (C/S). Life Events Scale showed 50% of lower socio-economic group having stress compared to only 10% in higher socio-economic group.


CONCLUSIONS
Contrary to the West, where majority of the Obstetric cases are accompanied by their spouses, in our study only 23% of the cases had their husbands present within the obstetric facility. There is a need of such a study, based on a larger sample in order to address this critical period/issue, considering the concept of 'paternity leaves'. Surprisingly, majority of husbands did not have Anxiety or Depression during the Obstetric period (a critical period needing appropriate attention) of their wives.
Afridi
M I
MI
Department of Neuropsychiatry, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi.
Mashhood
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D018454:Spouses; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology*