PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AMONG POSTNATAL WOMEN SEEKING CARE IN NSINZE HEALTH CENTRE IV, NAMUTUMBA DISTRICT

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum Depression is one of the most common and specific problems during pregnancy and after. Postpartum depression affects both the mothers and the development of the infant is affected negatively and yet routine screening of mental health in pregnant women has not been included into health services, specifically maternal health. Objective: To determine the prevalence and assess factors associated with postpartum depression among postnatal women seeking care in Nsinze Health Centre IV, Namutumba District. Setting: The study was conducted in Nsinze Health Centre 1V, Namutumba district in Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done between December 2023 and February 2024 among 377 mothers. Systematic random sampling was done. Postpartum depression was assessed using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted. Findings with X 2 test of p<=05 were considered statistically

significant. Results: Majority of the respondents were between the age of 25 to 35yrs. The prevalence of post-partum depression is 50.3%. The most critical risk factor identified is complications during pregnancy (High blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placenta Previa or abrasion and Ectopic pregnancy), which affected women being 2.78 times more likely to experience postpartum depression (AOR = 2.78; P = 0.001). Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of PPD. Findings highlight key risk factors— pregnancy complications, familial depression history, age and buying expendables while at the facility and suggest the need for targeted interventions. Overall, proactive recognition and management of these risks by healthcare providers are essential for improving maternal PPD health outcomes.