Abstract
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. 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. 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. 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.
Highlights
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental health disorder that yearly affects about 10–15% of mothers worldwide.[1]
In Nigeria, various studies have been conducted to determine the prevalence of PPD using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
The varying prevalence worldwide and within Nigeria could be attributed to the different types of screening methods used, the study designs, the differences in geographical location, differences in socioeconomic status, the cut off score of the screening instruments as well as the various risk and predictive factors associated with developing PPD in such studies
Summary
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental health disorder that yearly affects about 10–15% of mothers worldwide.[1] It sets in immediately or about two to six weeks after delivery and may last for over a year.[2] It is characterized by symptoms such as tearfulness, a feeling of hopelessness, emotional lability, feelings of guilt, sleep problems and loss of appetite.[2, 3] As joyful and as excit-. African Health Sciences have reported higher rates such as Uganda (43.0%) and Cameroun (23.4%) as compared to Ethiopia (13.1%), Ghana (3.8%) and Morocco (11.6%).[7,8,9,10] In Nigeria, various studies have been conducted to determine the prevalence of PPD using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of postpartum depression and its predictors among postnatal women in Lagos. Prevalence and predictors of postpartum depression among postnatal women in Lagos, Nigeria.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
