Prevalence and predictors of postpartum depression among postnatal women in Lagos, Nigeria
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2020-12
Authors
Adeyemo, E.O
Oluwole, E.O.
Kanma-Okafor, O.J
Izuka, O.M
Odeyemi, K.A
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Health Sciences
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Globally, postpartum depression is one of the most common but often unrecognized complications of
childbirth, yearly affecting about 10–15% of postnatal women. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of postpartum
depression and its predictors among postnatal women in Lagos.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 mothers in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of
Lagos State, Nigeria, attending six Primary Health Care centers for infant immunization at six weeks post-delivery. Data was
collected using a pretested semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire which included the Edinburgh Postnatal
Depression Scale. Analysis was carried out using SPSS version 23TM. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used
to determine associations and predictive relationships between various factors and the presence of postpartum depression.
The level of significance was set at <0.05.
Results: The prevalence of postpartum depression was 35.6%. Multiparity, delivery by cesarean section, mother being
unwell after delivery, and not exclusively breastfeeding the baby were the factors linked with postpartum depression. Following
multiple logistic regression, having postpartum blues (p=0.000; OR=32.77; 95%CI=7.23-148.58)., not getting help
with caring for the baby (p=0.008; OR=2.64; 95%CI=1.29-5.42), experiencing intimate partner violence (p=0.000; OR=5.2;
95%CI=2.23-11.91) and having an unsupportive partner (p=0.018; OR=2.6; 95%CI=1.17-5.78) were identified as predictors
of postpartum depression.
Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of postpartum depression, identifying both the obstetric and psychosocial
predictors. Social support for women both in the pre- and postnatal periods and routine screening of women for
postpartum depression should be encouraged for early detection and immediate intervention.
Description
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Keywords
Citation
Adeyemo EO, Oluwole EO, Kanma-Okafor OJ, Izuka OM, Odeyemi KA. Prevalence and predictors of postpartum depression among postnatal women in Lagos, Nigeria. Afri Health Sci. 2020;20(4):1943-54. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs. v20i4.53