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. 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.