Afridi M, Mashhood A.
Anxiety, depression and stress among the husbands of obstetric cases at Karachi.
J Pak Med Assoc Jan ;49(11):265-8.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of Anxiety, Depression and Stress among the Husbands of Obstetric Cases. SUBJECTS AND 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. CONCLUSION: 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.

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