Prevalence of Postpartum Depression and Associated Factors among Postnatal Women Attending At Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, East Ethiopia, 2015/2016

Volume 1 - Issue 1

Abayneh Shewangzaw^1a, Bilisuma Tadesse¹, Tiba Ashani¹, Tadesse Misgana¹ and Sisay Shewasinad*²

Received: January 02, 2018;   Published: January 19, 2018

DOI: 10.32474/OAJRSD.2018.01.000102

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Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression is a common occurrence which is often undiagnosed when symptoms are not severe and may progress into severe or chronic state if unrecognized and untreated. Being the most frequent form of mental illness in the postpartum period, it can begin as early as two weeks after delivery. It is also the most common complication of childbearing and as such represents a considerable public health problem affecting women and their families.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of postpartum Depression and associated factors among postnatal women who are attending at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia, 2016.

Methods: The study was conducted by using institutional based cross-sectional study design and non probability convenience sampling technique, until the required sample size of 122 was attained. The data was collected by using a structured, pre designed questionnaire from February 22/02/2016-March 22/03/2016. The data was analyzed manually and presented by using frequency table and graphs.

Results: A total of 122 postnatal mothers were involved into this study and all of them were analyzed. This study found a prevalence of PPD one week after delivery at HFSUH was 13.11%. Recent pregnancy was reported as unwanted by 2.46% and partner’s support was perceived as inadequate by 19% of the respondents and Caesarian section was 38.52%. Almost all, 95.90 % exclusively breast fed their infants and minor illnesses had occurred to 13.11% of the infants. Premature baby 5.74%, poor satisfactions with medical care 22.13%, family history of mental illness 3.28% were strongly associated with PPD. The other factors such as neonate illness, residence, desired new born sex, hypertension, and hyper emesis had also their own significant association. Educational status, number of birth, age, place of delivery and sex of new born had no significant association with PPD.

Conclusion: This study found a prevalence of PPD among women delivering at HFSUH, one week after delivery was 13.11% which is a significant high value and compared well with other studies. The findings in this study may form the bases for the need of routine screening of PPD in the post natal care especially those mothers with unplanned pregnancy, premature baby, poor support systems, poor satisfaction with medical care, family history of mental illness, and stressful life events which were highly associated with PPD. This would help prevent PPD at all levels hence a healthy mother.

Recommendation: Psychiatry staff of HFSUH should collaborate the services given for psychiatric cases and other gynecologic and obstetrics as well as general medical conditions. Routine screening for mental illness just like other reproductive problems for mothers attending hospital during delivery and after delivery is necessary. Finally, ministry of health should design policy that interactively provides mental illness of mother and their reproductive problems.

Ethical consideration: The study was conducted after ethical clearance had been given from Haramaya University College of Health and Medical Science. Ethical clearance letter was submitted to Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital and management body permitted to conduct research.

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