Prevalence and Correlates of Postpartum Depression among Nursing Mothers within the Kumasi Metropolis: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study

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Abstract Background: Postpartum depression is a mood disorder produced by changes in brain chemistry among women, beginning 4-6 weeks postpartum and lasting up to a year. This maternal mental health problem affects 11-42% of postpartum women globally with a reported prevalence of 60.8%, causing severe health implications to both the mother and the baby. In developing African countries like Ghana, maternal mental health is generally neglected during the postpartum period, and consequently, their specific symptoms are often undetected. This study aimed at estimating the point prevalence of postpartum depression and determining the socio-demographic and social support variables associated with postpartum depression Methods: This research employed an analytical cross-sectional design and a Quantitative Approach. A purposive sampling technique was used in recruiting the respondents involved in the study through the help of the management of the health facilities. Data collection tools were the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and a structured questionnaire. Data Analysis was performed using Binary Logistic Regression tests in Stata (Version 17.0). Results: A total of 274 mothers participated in the study. Prevalence of Postpartum Depression was estimated at 31.39%, the circumstance surrounding pregnancy (i.e. wanted/unwanted pregnancy, planned/unplanned pregnancy, denied by father/abandonment) was the only socio-demographic correlate to PPD [p=0.015, OR=0.805, 95% CI 0.675 – 0.959]. Social support variables showing significant association with PPD were partner support [p=0.005, OR=1.357 95% CI 1.096 – 1.682], the experience of social pressure [P=0.002, OR=0.713 95% CI 0.575 – 0.884], and the ability to maintain a fair life balance in the postpartum period [P=0.011, OR=0.752 95% CI 0.603 – 0.936]. Conclusions: This study identified the demographic and social factors to developing PPD that should serve as pointers to medical professionals when evaluating postpartum women. Once these indicators are recognised, there is a higher likelihood toimprove overall maternal mental health and reduce the prevalence of postpartum depression through psychosocial support, in-service training of primary health care workers on PPD Screening, education on maternal psychological and emotional needs and Public maternal mental health campaigns.

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