Study of depression and anxiety in prenatal and postnatal women at Port Moresby General Hospital.

Papua New Guinea, a country of diverse languages, culture and customs, is undergoing rapid developmental changes in its environment and society. These changes can lead to the development of medical problems both physical and mental. This preliminary descriptive study of depression in 50 prenatal and 50 postnatal women using the Harding Self Report Questionnaire and mental status examination was conducted at Port Moresby General Hospital. The study found 20% of depression in the prenatal women and 30% in the postnatal women immediately postpartum. Anxiety was present in 6% of prenatal women and in 4% of postnatal women. 14% of the women interviewed had experienced physical abuse in the month before the interview.