Comparison of Frequency of Antenatal Depression in Mothers of Infants Having Colic vs Normal Infants - A Case Control Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66838/Keywords:
Infant, Infantile Colic, Maternal Depression, Antenatal Care, PHQ-9, Risk Factors, Maternal Health.Abstract
Objectives: To find association of antenatal depression in mothers with infantile colic.
Study Design: A case-control study
Pace and Duration of study: Department of Pediatric Medicine, Combined Military Hospital, Gujranwala for three months, from 02 December, 2025 to 01 March, 2026.
Methodology: After ethical approval, 100 infants and their mothers attending the outpatient pediatric ward at Combined Military Hospital, Gujranwala, were enrolled with informed consent. Infants were classified as colic or normal using Wessel’s criteria. Mothers completed PHQ-9 under supervision. Groups were compared for antenatal depression, with data analyzed using SPSS v26.
Results: The study involved 100 mother–infant pairs. Infants had a mean age of 6.84 ± 2.51 months; 55% were 3–7 months and 45% were 8-11 months. Mean infant BMI was 23.18 ± 2.63 kg/m², with 66% normal weight. Maternal mean age was 28.87 ± 4.97 years and BMI 25.65 ± 3.62 kg/m². Case and control groups were comparable demographically. Mothers of infants with colic had significantly higher PHQ-9 scores and antenatal depression prevalence (82% vs 26%; OR = 12.97; p < 0.001). Stratified analysis confirmed significantly higher depression in cases.
Conclusion: In this study, mothers of infants with colic had significantly higher rates of antenatal depression and elevated PHQ-9 scores compared to mothers of normal infants. These findings highlight the importance of early screening, monitoring, and support for maternal mental health to potentially reduce the burden of infantile colic.
