Prevalence and key predictors of perinatal depression among postpartum women in Ghana

Abstract

Objective:To determine the prevalence and key predictors of perinatal depression among women in Accra. Method:A two-step hospital-based cross-sectional study from May to July 2016.Patient Health Questionnaire version 9 was administered to postpartum mothers, and those aged 18 years or older with scores above 5 who delivered at LEKMA, Ridge, and Korle Bu Hospitals were recruited. A modified Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to assess depression at 2 weeks postpartum. Associations between perinatal depression and sociodemographic/obstetric variables were assessed by χ 2 and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Among 1456 women screened, the prevalence of mental health disorders was 27.5% (400/1456). Of 350 women recruited, perinatal depression at 2 weeks postpartum was 8.6%, 31.6%, and 41.1% at LEKMA, Ridge, and Korle Bu, respectively. Mothers younger than 20 years and older than 35 years at Korle Bu had depression. Vaginal delivery increased the odds of perinatal depression at Ridge and Korle Bu. Blood transfusion was associated with depression at all three hospitals.Conclusion: Blood transfusion, but not other variables, was associated with perinatal depression at 2 weeks postpartum in Accra. Understanding the prevalence of perinatal depression and its associated risk factors in Ghana will aid policy decisions, planning, and clinical management.

Postpartum depression: The prevalence and associated factors among women attending postnatal clinics in the Bawku municipality, Upper East Region of Ghana

“…[16][17][18] A typical case is noted by Saeed et al, whose assessment of depression among mothers of children under five months in the Bole district revealed a 16.8% prevalence rate. 16 A multitude of biological, psychological, and social factors have been found in previous studies to be linked to the development of PPD. 19,20 Poverty, lack of social support, intimate partner violence, a history of pregnancy loss, and unintended pregnancy, all of which are common in LMICs, are risk factors for PPD.…”

“…In Ghana, the country‐specific prevalence was 7% 15 . Several studies within the country have reported higher prevalence rates than the national average 16‐18 . A typical case is noted by Saeed et al, whose assessment of depression among mothers of children under five months in the Bole district revealed a 16.8% prevalence rate 16 …”

Understanding Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge on Perinatal Depression among Women in a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana: A Qualitative Study

“…In Ghana, a recent study conducted in three public hospitals concurrently, namely a primary health facility, a secondary facility, and a tertiary facility using the EPDS found that the prevalence of PD was 8.6%, 31.6%, and 41.1%, respectively [ 36 ]. Although the regular contact between mothers and perinatal HCP may make the obstetric setting ideal for addressing depression, data suggests that there are existence of barriers, and PD remains under-diagnosed and under-treated [ 37 ].…”

Eficacia de las intervenciones no farmacológicas en la prevención de la depresión posparto: una revisión sistemática de los resultados en gestantes con y sin factores de riesgo

“…Según la OMS, tiene una prevalencia a nivel mundial de alrededor del 13% y una incidencia entre el 10% a 15% 6,7 . Afecta entre 20% a 40% de las mujeres en países de bajos ingresos y al 15% de mujeres en países de altos ingresos 8 . No existen estudios que describan su prevalencia en Latinoamérica, sin embargo, se han reportado cifras de 22% en países como Chile y de hasta 32,6% en México 9 .…”