article · BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
A cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and predictors of postpartum depression among mothers attending postnatal care and vaccination clinics in Debre Berhan, Ethiopia. Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, data were collected from 308 eligible women across a referral hospital and local health centres between May and June 2018. The overall prevalence of postpartum depression was 15.6 percent, which is lower than reported rates in several other regions. Statistical analysis identified significant links between depressive symptoms and specific adverse life events or lack of assistance. Mothers who were widowed, lacked adequate social support, had a child admitted to hospital, or had recently suffered the death of a family member or close relative faced a significantly higher risk of depression. These findings emphasise the role of life stress and trauma in maternal mental health during the puerperium.
Postpartum depression is a critical mood disorder that affects maternal well-being following childbirth. Recognising the scale of the condition and specific vulnerability factors, such as bereavement or poor social support, enables healthcare providers to identify at-risk mothers early during routine postnatal visits. This allows clinics to direct targeted psychological and clinical support to women experiencing acute personal trauma.
The abstract does not indicate an application pathway.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression explains various groups of depressive symptoms and syndromes that can take place during the first 6 weeks following birth. The postpartum period is a critical time where both mild and severe mood disorders can occur. The familiar forms are baby blues and postpartum depression. Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of postpartum depression is mandatory for early detection and treatment. METHODS: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st May to June 30, 2018. The study participants were eligible women who came to Debre Berhan referral hospital and health centers for postnatal care and vaccination service. The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale was used to assess postpartum depression. A systematic random sampling technique was used to collect the data after determining the skip fraction (k = 2). The collected data were coded and entered into Epi-info version 7 and transported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression were done to identify associated factors. During bivariate analysis, variables with p-value < 0.05 were included in multivariate analysis. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were computed and variables with p-value less than 0.05 were considered to declare significantly associated factors (multivariate analysis). RESULTS: A total of 308 mothers who attended postpartum care we're included, which was a 100% response rate. The prevalence of postpartum depression was found to be 15.6% (95%CI = 11.7, 19.8). Being widowed/widower, having poor social support, having a current hospitalized child, and experienced a death of family member or close relative were significantly associated with postpartum depression. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of postpartum depression was lower than most studies done in different areas. Major life events and traumas are associated with an increased risk of postpartum depression. Health professionals should be aware of the mother's circumstances during the puerperium, they should initiate support to reduce the risk of depression in the postpartum period. Health care professionals working postpartum care clinics should give special attention to mothers who are widowed/widower, have poor social support, have a current hospitalized children, and experienced a death of family member or close relative.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-02873-4
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
