Prevalence and Factors Associated with Postpartum Depression Among Mothers at Nyakayojo Hciii Katojo Ward, Mbarara City Southwest Uganda

It is estimated that 13 % of women that have just given birth experience mental disorders. Unfortunately, health care delivery focuses more on the physical aspect of the mothers leaving mental issues neglected. The objective of this study was to find out prevalence and factors associated with postpartum depression among mothers at Nyakayojo HCIII, Katojo ward Mbarara City South West Uganda. Methods: This was a cross sectional study. Eligible women attending immunization for their childrenwere enrolled via systematic sampling. Those who consented to participate in the study had questionnaires completed on sections of biodata and factors that could potentially be associated with postpartum depression. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to assess for postpartum depression among the mothers. To determine the associated factors bivariate and multivariate analysis were done. Results: A total of 124 mothers were enrolled into the study in which the prevalence of depression was33.06%. Factors which were strongly associated with postpartum depression at multi variate analysis included; baby crying excessively all the time (p-value 0.003), tertiary level of education (0.018) and fair state of marital relationship (0.049).Conclusion: This study has shown that depressive symptoms are common among mothers during the postpartum period. Predictors for depression included baby crying excessively all the time, tertiary level of education and fair state of marital relationship. This study therefore supports the need for integration of mental health and postnatal care for mothers at Nyakayojo HCIII.