Prevalence and Knowledge of Postpartum Depression among Nursing Mothers (20-49 Years) in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the prevalence and knowledge of postpartum depression
(PPD) among nursing mothers in Benue State, Nigeria, using a cross-sectional research
design. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 2080 nursing
mothers with infants aged 0-12 months attending postnatal care services at the 916
primary health care centres in Benue State. Data on respondents' social demographic
characteristics and knowledge of PPD were collected using a content-validated,
structured questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). The
reliability of the questionnaire was determined using a Cronbach’s alpha (0.7414) after
a pilot study at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Lafia East, Nasarawa State. Data
collected were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
version 20.0 and presented as frequencies, percentages, mean, and chi-square values.
The study found a 32.53% prevalence of PPD among the nursing mothers and a low
level of knowledge of PPD. The knowledge of PPD was significantly (p<0.001)
associated with age (X² = 51.32), marital status (X² = 18.19), and educational
qualification (X² = 38.08). Severity of PPD was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with
educational qualification (X² = 15.52), number of children (X² = 19.31) and type of
residence (X2 = 10.54). The study concluded that PPD is prevalent in the study area,
though many mothers are unaware of the condition, which is shaped by various socio-
demographic influences. It was recommended that knowledge should be tailored
based on socio-demographic factors to reduce PPD. Also, comprehensive maternal
mental health programmes should be integrated into routine prenatal and postnatal
care to include psycho-education on the causes, symptoms, and effects of depression.