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Prevalence of postpartum depression and its predictors among nursing mothers in selected hospitals in Nsukka, Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey

Chibueze Anosike (Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria)
Rita Chinenye Osefo (Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria)
Nnanyelugo Ogechukwu Isiogugu (School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan)
Emmanuel Chijiekwu Nwachukwu (Pharmacy Department, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua Memorial Hospital, Sabon Wuse, Nigeria)
Ugonna Kyrian Agu (Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria)
Jonathan Chimaobi Nwaji (Department of Research and Development, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria)
Mario-Ephraim Afam Ogbu (Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria)

Mental Health and Social Inclusion

ISSN: 2042-8308

Article publication date: 23 April 2024

Issue publication date: 3 December 2024

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to determine the prevalence and predictors of postpartum depression (PPD) among nursing mothers in Nsukka, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey among nursing mothers in three hospitals in Nsukka, Nigeria. Data was collected using a self-administered Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and sociodemographic form. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and binary logistic regression.

Findings

A total of 270 nursing mothers participated in this survey, giving a response rate of 94.4%. The prevalence of PPD among the study group was 20.0%. However, women who did not have complications during childbirth were about two times (AOR = 0.417, 95% CI = 0.204, 0.852, P = 0.016) less likely to develop symptoms of PPD than women who experienced birth complications. In addition, women who had poor relationships with their partners have approximately seven times (AOR = 6.994, 95% CI = 1.110, 44.059, P = 0.038) higher odds of developing PPD compared with those women who had excellent relationships with their partners.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size was small, hence, might limit the generalizability of its findings beyond the study group. Health-care practitioners should provide appropriate interventions to women at a higher risk of developing PPD on the need to maintain a healthy and supportive relationship with their partners.

Originality/value

This study provides unique insight into PPD among nursing mothers and its determinants from a different regional, socioeconomic, societal expectations, social support system, access to health care and cultural context.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate the selfless assistance of Okwy-Nwangwu Chidubem, Onuigbo Irene, Offiajiaku Kenechukwu, Osefo Marycynthia during data collection and data entry. The authors thank all the study participants who voluntarily took part in the study at no cost. The authors would like to appreciate the support received from the management and staff of the University of Nigeria Medical Center, Bishop Shanahan Hospital, and Nsukka Health Center.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

Citation

Anosike, C., Osefo, R.C., Isiogugu, N.O., Nwachukwu, E.C., Agu, U.K., Nwaji, J.C. and Ogbu, M.-E.A. (2024), "Prevalence of postpartum depression and its predictors among nursing mothers in selected hospitals in Nsukka, Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 28 No. 6, pp. 1263-1273. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-12-2023-0138

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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