Prevalence and Determinants of Postpartum Depression in First-Time Mothers at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Although postpartum depression (PPD) in mothers has been extensively studied, little is known about the rates, correlates, and effects of postpartum depression in first-time mothers. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of postpartum depression in first-time mothers within 6 months of childbirth at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was carried out between November 2022 and December 2022. Consecutive sampling technique was used to select participants. In all, 150 first-time mothers who were attending the postnatal/child welfare clinic at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital were recruited and interviewed. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and a structured questionnaire were used for data collection. Descriptive analyses were done using frequency tables. Bivariate analysis (using chi-square) was done to determine the associations between independent (explanatory) variables and the outcome variable. Simple logistic regression was used to test for the strength of associations between the explanatory variables and the outcome variable. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to control for confounders and identify the determinants of PPD. Results: Overall, the prevalence of postpartum depression was 19.3%. Only 16% of the mothers received health professional counselling on PPD during antenatal. Age, employment status, divorced/separated recently, monthly expenditure, planned/expected pregnancy, number of antenatal visits attended, type of delivery, length of hospital stay after delivery, maternal anxiety, having a baby with special needs, previous history of depression, partner reliability and having an abusive partner were factors significantly associated with PPD. However, after adjusting for confounders, age (AOR=0.08, CI: 0.01-0.75) and maternal anxiety (AOR=16.93, CI: 2.31-123.84) were the only two factors that strongly predicted postpartum depression. Conclusion: This study has shown that the prevalence of postpartum depression in first-time mothers at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is relatively high. This presents a significant public health concern that requires prompt action as it impacts not just the health and well-being of mothers, but also that of their children and families. There is a need for urgent measures for early detection and diagnosis, including counselling and psychosocial support both at home and in medical facilities. Further research, preferably using mixed-methods design may provide elucidation on not only the magnitude of the problem or its correlates but also the effects of postpartum depression and the lived experiences of first-time mothers.