Postpartum Depression and Associated Factors Among Mothers Who Visited for Postpartum Follow-Up in Selected Public...

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious health concern globally, and it can have unfavorable effects on mothers, their offspring, and their families. However, in developing countries like Ethiopia, women's psychological health remains largely overlooked. We aim to assess the prevalence of postpartum depression and associated factors among mothers who visited for postpartum follow-up and immunization of their newborns in selected public health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024.

A facility-based, cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected from 380 respondents selected with random sampling technique from October to November 2024. Data were collected using interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire and entered into Kobo Tool box and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize general characteristics. Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses were run to identify factors associated with postpartum depression. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was computed, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

A significant proportion of mothers (36.10%; (95% CI: 32.1%-41.6%); n = 137) were experienced a postpartum depression. Age ≥ 35 years (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.21-5.77), being Cesarean as a mode of delivery (AOR = 3.89; 95% CI: 1.36, 11.10), current pregnancy complication (AOR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.53, 1.99), a history of mental illness [AOR = 2.66; 95% CI: (1.06-6.63)], poor and moderate social support (AOR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.99, 3.85), (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.65), respectively, and Intimate partner violence (AOR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.39, 3.25) were found to show as risk factors and statistically associated with postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is common among the studied mothers. Being maternal age of > 35, cesarean as a mode of delivery, current pregnancy complication, mental illness history, poor and moderate social support, and intimate partner violence were factors associated with postpartum depression. Routine screening, counseling for postpartum depression should be a part of maternal healthcare services. Enhancing social and emotional support frameworks is crucial.