Prevalence and Predictors of Depression among Postpartum Mothers in the Limbe Health District, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study
Gladys Ghogomu
Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Cameroon.
Gregory E. Halle-Ekane *
Department of Surgery and Obstetrics/Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
Peter F. Nde
Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon.
John Ngunde Palle
Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon
Julius Atashili
Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon.
Fulbert N. Mangala
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.
Dickson Shey Nsagha
Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Depression is a debilitating mood and mental disorder affecting approximately 13% of postpartum mothers worldwide with a prevalence of 25%-60% in low and middle income countries. The prevalence is yet to be published in Cameroon.
Aim: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence, severity and risk factors of depression among postpartum mothers in Limbe Health District (LHD), Cameroon.
Study Design: It was a cross-sectional, analytic community-based survey. A non- probability convenient sampling method was used to recruit four hundred participants in eight communities in the LHD. Postpartum mothers with infants aged 1-12 months constituted the study population. Data collected using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and a structured questionnaire was analyzed using Epi-Info version 3.5.4. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant for variables.
Results: The prevalence of depression among participants was 61.8% based on PHQ-9 depression scale. The severity of depression varied from mild 54.7%, moderate 43.3% to severe2.0%. Socio-demographic factors associated with depression were: unemployment [OR=2.02;95% CI:(1.35-3.86), p=0.002], unsatisfactory support or assistance for care of baby [OR = 4.89; 95% CI: 2.25-10.612), p = < 0.001], marital conflict [OR = 0.44; 95%CI: (0.23-0.82), p = 0.009] and serious financial problems [OR = 0.31; 95% CI: (0.18-0.54), p =0.002]. Unplanned pregnancy was the only obstetric factor associated with depression [OR=2.02; 95% CI: (1.24-3.29), p= 0.004].
Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among postpartum mothers in the LHD was high. Unemployment, unsatisfactory assistance for child care, marital conflicts, financial difficulties and unplanned pregnancy were risk factors for postpartum depression.
Keywords: Depression, post-partum, PHQ-9 scale, Cameroon