Prevalence and determinant factors of postpartum depression among mothers visiting postnatal and immunization clinics in selected public health institutions Mekelle, Tigray; Hospital based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Postpartum Depression (PPD) involves various groups of depressive symptoms and syndromes that take place during the first year following birth. It is recognized as risk period for severe mood disorder that comprises provisional blue, major depression and debilitating psychotic depression. Most of the studies indicate that the magnitude and impact of PPD is higher in developing nations. Worldwide the prevalence ranges 0.5- 60.8 and up-to 3.8% to 69.9% in Africa. Recent institution-based study Addis Ababa, Ethiopia showed prevalence of 25.95%. Despite the high prevalence of PPD in developing countries, there is a paucity of research on postpartum depressive disorders and their predictors particularly in Ethiopia and the Tigray region. This lack of research hinders the development of effective e interventions and policies to address PPD in these regions. Therefore, it is important to study on it, so that we can develop effective interventions and policies to tackle it. Objective To assess the magnitude and associated factors of postpartum Depression among postpartum mothers in selected governmental Hospitals in Mekelle, Tigray Methodology Hospital based cross- sectional study on 326 post-natal mothers who visit Mekelle Public Hospitals was undertaken. Data was collected using pretested prepared questionnaire with structured questions (modified Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) from December 1, 2024 to January 30, 2025 G.C. It was coded on pre- arranged coding sheet and entered into the Epi info version 7.2.6 statistical package then, after checking for completeness and cleaning, analyzed using SPSS version 27. Results The complete response rate was 100%. The magnitude of postpartum depression found to be 26.997%. Living away from husband (AOR 2.975(95%CI :1.16-7.613), working during the postpartum period(AOR 0.221(95%CI :0.07-0.699)), monthly income(AOR,4.045(95%CI: 1.793-9.127)), status of the baby (alive or dead) (AOR,55.852(95%CI :1.937-1610.387)) and whether the mother had negative social life event (AOR 6.031(95%CI :1.009-36.064)) are the factors which has statistically significant association with PPD in this study. Conclusion Postpartum depression is a common mental health problem at the postpartum period. This study also revealed that different factors contributing to the occurrence of postpartum depression, such as living away from husband, working during the postpartum period, monthly income, status of the baby and whether the mother had negative social life event.