Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression and Awareness of Management Modalities among Postnatal Women in a Cosmopolitan City in South-East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Mental health problems commonly occur among women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Postpartum depression (PPD) presents with nonspecific symptoms, including low energy, extreme sadness, crying episodes, irritability, and changes in sleeping and eating patterns. Several factors have been identified as risk factors for PPD. Aim: This study sought to assess postnatal women in this setting, identify possible risk factors for postpartum depression, and determine their awareness of treatment modalities. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed risk factors for postpartum depression among postpartum women attending immunisation clinics in Aba, Abia State. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used. The study population comprised postpartum women attending public and private health facilities. Results: The study included 422 postpartum women, of whom 167 (39.6%) had postpartum depression. The majority (90.5%) were from monogamous families. Three hundred and thirty-two respondents (78.7%) agreed that a lack of family funds would affect the mother’s state of mind. The mean scores for the assessed risk factors (1.66–2.92) clustered towards agreement for social and economic factors. Binary logistic regression was conducted to determine the predictors of postpartum depression. Baby’s health (p = 0.021; OR = 3.52; 95% CI = 2.15–6.49), financial constraints (p = 0.032; OR = 1.281; 95% CI = 1.59–3.49), and lack of family support (p = 0.010; OR = 1.476; 95% CI = 1.28–4.92) were the major risk factors. Only 9 (5%) of those with depression were aware of treatment modalities for depression. Conclusion: The findings suggest that psychosocial and economic factors play important roles in maternal mental health during the postnatal period. Concerns about the baby’s health, financial constraints, and lack of family support were identified as the major risk factors associated with postpartum depression. Awareness of treatment modalities was low among respondents, particularly among women classified as depressed.