Awareness of Postpartum Depression Risk Factors among Post-Natal Mothers in Nyeri County and Referral Hospital - Kenya

Abstract

Postpartum depression is among the mental illnesses that affect a mother during the postpartum period, with an increasing incidence rate from 13% to 15% in 2016 and 2019 respectively. Awareness of risk factors to postpartum depression among mothers is fundamental in its management, determining willingness to seek medical attention. The purpose of this study was to determine the awareness of risk factors for postpartum depression among mothers admitted in postnatal ward in Nyeri County Referral Hospital. The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design. The target population was postnatal mothers admitted in the postnatal ward, with a calculated sample size of 30 mothers. Simple random sampling method was used to sample participants. Data was collected using questionnaires which was pretested at Meru General Hospital and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive analysis was used to obtain frequencies and percentages. Results showed that majority (47%) were not knowledgeable about postpartum depression and its causes. Many respondents (86.7%) admitted to have had unplanned pregnancies and having experienced confusion and anxiety (16.7%). Results of this study will advise policy implementation and potentially increasing patient outcomes at Nyeri County Referral Hospital. There is need for health care providers to educate mothers on postpartum depression.