Childbirth experiences and post-partum depression among mothers in selected hospitals in Kiambu, Kenya

Abstract

Assessing for the psychosocial status and management of risks for post-partum depression among pregnant mothers is an indispensable aspect of peri-partum care. Two groups of mothers were assessed for post-partum depression, one having gone through the routine antenatal care, and one having been taken through supplementary teaching on emotional management, social support, health lifestyle, economic empowerment, and group therapy. Methods: A quasi-experimental non-equivalent groups design was used and a sample of 392 pregnant mothers (experimental group 196; control group 196) in two different hospitals in their first or second trimesters was obtained using the simple random sampling design. Findings: Mothers in both groups reported positive experiences regarding their mental health, satisfaction with their partner and other loved ones’ support, experiences during labour and delivery as well as satisfaction with child and family care. The experimental group had relatively higher positive experiences as compared to the control group. Conclusion: Assessing for and managing psychosocial risks among pregnant mothers results in positive experiences and lowers the incidence of post-partum depression.