Barriers and Facilitators to the Utilization of Postpartum Depression Treatment Services among Adolescent Mothers at Kitagata Hospital in Sheema District
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Date
2025-06-11
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
Background: This study concentrated on exploring Barriers and Facilitators to the utilization of
Postpartum Depression Treatment services among adolescent mothers at Kitagata Hospital in
Sheema district, South Western Uganda. Individual, sociocultural and health facility factors were
determined and examined. Methods: The study used the case study approach that allowed the
collection of comprehensive information and understanding of the study participants‟ perceptive
through in-depth interviews, documents and reports review. The research included 09 adolescent
mothers who were 06 weeks to 6 months postpartum and 06 health workers who work in
maternity and mental health care as key informants. The aim of the study was to explore the
barriers and facilitators to the utilization of Postpartum Depression Treatment (PPDT) services
among adolescent mothers at Kitagata Hospital in Sheema District. Results: The study identified
Individual related issues ( Lack of knowledge of PPD, unawareness of available treatment
services, Poor Attitude, Self-Stigma, poor help-seeking behavior, Low education Status,
Distance of the Facility).Sociocultural related issues (Fear of stigmatization, Societal myths &
expectations, PPD Literacy, Limited health centers, Unequal Gender Power Relations, Family
Support). Health service-related issues (Awareness and Knowledge of the treatment services, Attitude, No readily available specialized doctors, Limited Resources, Understaffing, Clinic
Privacy concerns, Follow up systems, Health Policies,) as barriers and facilitators of the
utilization of postpartum depression treatment services among adolescent mothers at Kitagata
Hospital in Sheema District. Conclusion: The results suggest focused training for health workers
at primary care in maternal mental health including postpartum depression screening and
management at Kitagata Hospital, integrating adolescent-friendly health services and initiating
adolescent empowerment programs at the facility.
Description
Postgraduate