Prevalence and Factors Associated With Postpartum Depression Among Mothers in Newborn Unit at Pumwani Maternity Hospital

Abstract

Study background: Post-Partum Depression (PPD) and Anxiety are now common mental health challenges among postpartum women globally. Internationally, the prevalence of PPD is approximately 13% varying with country, region. There is paucity of studies on this in Kenya. This study will determine the prevalence of PPD and Anxiety. Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum Depression and Anxiety among mothers with newborns in the Newborn Unit at Pumwani Maternity Hospital Study Setting: The study was conducted in Pumwani Maternity newborn – unit. Methodology: There were 217 Mothers with Neonates in Newborn unit who were recruited to this study via consecutive sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire with biodata and specific factors associated with PPD in other studies was used to obtain data. Data analysis and results: Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. For descriptive analysis, frequency, mean, mode, and proportions was used for categorical variables. Binary logistic regression was used to determine association between the covariates and depression status and anxiety, assuming significance at a P value <0.05. The results are presented in tables, graphs and charts. Results: The prevalence of postpartum depression using EDPS was found to be 17.1%. Marital status, religious affiliation, mode of delivery and not breastfeeding were found to be statistically significantly associated with PPD P =0.02, 0.02, 0.01 & < 0.05 respectively. The prevalence of Postpartum anxiety was 24.4%. The factors that were positively associated with anxiety included: Marital status, Level of education, religious affiliation, Domestic violence with P (0.01, <0.05, <0.05 ix and 0.03 respectively. The mode of delivery and having complications during pregnancy also had a positive association with Postpartum anxiety (P 0.01 and <0.050 respectively Conclusion: From the study, 1 in 6 and 1 in 4 mothers in Newborn Unit had PPD and PPA respectively. Factors that were associated with PPD included: Marital status, mode of delivery and not breastfeeding, while those associated with PPA were: Marital status, Level of education and intimate violence Recommendations: The study shows a significant number or mothers suffer from PPD and PPA. As shown 1 in 6 and 1 in 6 mothers in NBU, had PPD and Postpartum Anxiety respectively. We recommend routine use of screening tools for the two and intervention be instituted to manage those found with the diagnosis