Prevalence and Determinants of Postpartum Depression in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD), a major depressive disorder, is a common complication occurring postnatally. It is an important condition that is highly under reported and underdiagnosed and the real extent of its morbidity and disability may not be well known to clinicians.

Aim: To determine the prevalence ad risk factors associated with postpartum depression in women attending postnatal and reproductive health clinics of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria

Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that was carried out amongst postpartum women attending postnatal and reproductive health clinics of ABUTH. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive profile, maternal and birth outcome were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was adapted to the questionnaire and used to screen women for postpartum depression. The Data generated was analysed using Statistical Package for the social sciences (SPSS) computer software version 25.  The results were presented using the mean, standard deviations, and simple percentages. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Fisher exact test was used to test for association between variables.                                                                         Result: The prevalence of postpartum depression was 10.7%. The mean age of the respondents was 28.5 ±6.0 years. The study found significant association between PPD and increasing maternal age, low educational status, poor outcome delivery and delivery of a female baby.                        Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of PPD in our environment is significant and there is need to screen women for this disorder during postpartum period.                                                          Keywords: Postpartum Depression, Prevalence, Risk factors, Zaria.