This study investigates regional variations in perinatal mental health outcomes across three North Indian cities, focusing on the influence of geographical location and urbanization levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted across Azamgarh, Varanasi, and Lucknow (n = 300), with mental health assessed using the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS), Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire (PRAQ), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Analysis revealed significant regional variations, with Azamgarh showing consistently higher scores across all measures (PASS: M = 2.44, SD = 0.32; PRAQ: M = 3.20, SD = 0.69; Edinburgh: M = 2.22, SD = 0.33) compared to more urbanized Lucknow (PASS: M = 1.74, SD = 0.56; PRAQ: M = 2.94, SD = 0.51; Edinburgh: M = 1.99, SD = 0.23). Varanasi consistently occupied an intermediate position with scores falling between these two extremes. Strong correlations between mental health measures (r = 0.596–0.723, p < 0.001) indicated substantial overlap between anxiety and depressive symptoms. These findings highlight a clear urban-rural gradient in perinatal mental health outcomes, suggesting that urbanization level and associated healthcare infrastructure play crucial roles in maternal psychological well-being. The study underscores the need for context sensitive interventions that address the unique challenges faced by women in different urban environments.
perinatal mental health, maternal anxiety, urban-rural differences, North India, pregnancy-specific anxiety, regional variations, mental health screening, maternal healthcare, cross-sectional study.
International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development - IJTSRD having
online ISSN 2456-6470. IJTSRD is a leading Open Access, Peer-Reviewed International
Journal which provides rapid publication of your research articles and aims to promote
the theory and practice along with knowledge sharing between researchers, developers,
engineers, students, and practitioners working in and around the world in many areas
like Sciences, Technology, Innovation, Engineering, Agriculture, Management and
many more and it is recommended by all Universities, review articles and short communications
in all subjects. IJTSRD running an International Journal who are proving quality
publication of peer reviewed and refereed international journals from diverse fields
that emphasizes new research, development and their applications. IJTSRD provides
an online access to exchange your research work, technical notes & surveying results
among professionals throughout the world in e-journals. IJTSRD is a fastest growing
and dynamic professional organization. The aim of this organization is to provide
access not only to world class research resources, but through its professionals
aim to bring in a significant transformation in the real of open access journals
and online publishing.