Determinants of Depression Among Mothers Following a Preterm Birth in Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

Abstract

Background: Preterm birth is a significant health challenge associated with adverse maternal psychological outcomes. However, limited research exists on maternal depression following preterm birth in Ghana. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of depression among mothers following a preterm birth in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 407 mothers who had experienced preterm birth and sought care at health facilities in the Greater Accra Region. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, depression levels, and coping strategies. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with depression. Findings: The prevalence of depression among mothers following preterm birth was 62.9%. The results indicate that mothers with basic education (AOR = 0.233; 95% CI: 0.074–0.737; p = 0.013), secondary education (AOR = 0.419; 95% CI: 0.212–0.826; p = 0.019), and tertiary education (AOR = 0.454; 95% CI: 0.245–0.840; p = 0.007) had significantly lower odds of experiencing postnatal depression. Similarly, unemployed mothers (AOR = 0.413; 95% CI: 0.205–0.830; p = 0.005), and those with no prior mental health history (AOR = 0.400; 95% CI: 0.167–0.959; p = 0.040) had lower odds of depression. In contrast, mothers who delivered between 28–32 weeks (AOR = 2.204; 95% CI: 1.023–4.747; p = 0.044), those without health insurance (AOR = 0.159; 95% CI: 0.039–0.650; p = 0.010), and those who lacked family support system (AOR = 3.554; 95% CI: 1.826–6.920; p < 0.001) had higher odds of depression. Conclusion: The results underscore the urgent need for healthcare systems to move beyond purely biomedical models of postnatal care and adopt holistic approaches that address the psychological, social and economic dimensions of maternal wellbeing following preterm delivery. As such, Ministry of Health should integrate routine mental health screening into standard follow-up care for mothers of preterm infants. Also, healthcare providers should develop tailored educational programs addressing the specific psychological challenges of preterm birth.