PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG POSTPARTUM MOTHERS ATTENDING POSTNATAL CLINIC AT THE NORTHERN REGIONAL HOSPITAL IN THE NORTHERN REGION, OF GHANA.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the prevalence and related risk factors of postpartum depression (PPD) among mothers attending postnatal clinic (PNC) at the Northern Regional Hospital. Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that affects approximately 10–43% of mothers globally. Using the biopsychosocial theoretical model for postpartum depression. Methods: The research employed an analytic cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach, sampled 321 mothers attending PNC at the Northern regional hospital. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) tool was used to screen for depression, while a structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data on associated risk factors of PPD. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20, using a logistic regression model, at 95% confidence interval (CI). Results/Findings: The prevalence of PPD among mothers was (10.9%), with varying degrees of severity, ranging from; mild (9.0%), moderate (1.6%) and severe (0.3%) in table 3. Risk factors significantly associated with PPD were found to include experiencing significant life stressors in the past year (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=8.544, 95%CI: 3.277,22.277), complications during pregnancy (AOR=2.814, 95%CI: 1.120,7.072), and ongoing conflicts in relationships (AOR=4.402, 95%CI: 1.888,10.266). Consequences of PPD were found to include impaired daily functioning, emotional distress, with physical symptoms such as poor sleep, headache and suicidal ideations. Conclusion and recommendation: The study provides crucial insights into the prevalence and risk factors of PPD among mothers in the Northern Regional Hospital. The findings underscore or recommend the need for targeted interventions, including routine screening for PPD, particularly for mothers with identified risk factors, and comprehensive support systems to address the emotional, physical, and social consequences of PPD.