Prevalence and key predictors of perinatal depression among postpartum women in Ghana.

Abstract

To determine the prevalence and key predictors of perinatal depression among women in Accra. A two-step hospital-based cross-sectional study from May to July 2016. Patient Health Questionnaire version 9 was administered to postpartum mothers, and those aged 18years or older with scores above 5 who delivered at LEKMA, Ridge, and Korle Bu Hospitals were recruited. A modified Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to assess depression at 2weeks postpartum. Associations between perinatal depression and sociodemographic/obstetric variables were assessed by χ2 and multivariate logistic regression. Among 1456 women screened, the prevalence of mental health disorders was 27.5% (400/1456). Of 350 women recruited, perinatal depression at 2weeks postpartum was 8.6%, 31.6%, and 41.1% at LEKMA, Ridge, and Korle Bu, respectively. Mothers younger than 20years and older than 35years at Korle Bu had depression. Vaginal delivery increased the odds of perinatal depression at Ridge and Korle Bu. Blood transfusion was associated with depression at all three hospitals. Blood transfusion, but not other variables, was associated with perinatal depression at 2weeks postpartum in Accra. Understanding the prevalence of perinatal depression and its associated risk factors in Ghana will aid policy decisions, planning, and clinical management.