POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AMONG PAROUS WOMEN IN IBADAN SOUTH-WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE, NIGERIA.

Background: Post-partum depression (PPD) significantly contributes to maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries, impacting the well-being of women, their families, and society.

Objective(s): This study assessed the prevalence of PPD and its associated factors among parous women in Ibadan SouthWest LGA.

Methods: The cross-sectional study utilized a multi-staged sampling technique to select 454 postpartum women from six selected primary health care centres in Ibadan. Data on socio-demographics, obstetric history, patterns of intimate partner violence (IPV), family connectedness, and PPD experiences were elicited using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square test and logistic regression with significance level for all test sets at 5%.

Results: The mean age of the women was 29.4±5.3, with the majority being married (96.3%) and in monogamous unions (88.8%). About two-fifths (41.4%) had husbands with postsecondary education and the pregnancy of respondents (76.7%) was planned and wanted. Over half (56.2%) of the women experienced emotional violence during pregnancy, and 45.2% were from dysfunctional families. Prevalence of post-partum depression was 44.6%. Husband's education level (p=0.041), family type (p=0.002), pregnancy desire (p=0.037), and family connectedness (p=0.029) were associated with PPD. Independent predictors of postpartum depression included being married (OR=0.242; 95%CI=0.06-0.92) and experiencing emotional or physical abuse (OR=3.960; 95%CI=1.787-8.796 and OR=1.764; 95%CI=1.162-2.680).

Conclusions: PPD was prevalent among women; who experienced IPV, whose spouses had lower education, with unplanned or unwanted pregnancies, and dysfunctional families. Health education and social support for women are advocated to prevent the experience of postpartum depression.

Key message: Postpartum depression is common among urban women in Southwest Nigeria and is significantly influenced by experience of IPV and marital status. Single women had higher odds, with additional factors including educational level, family dynamics, and pregnancy intention affecting PPD. Education, family and societal support are vital to help prevent PPD