# Prevalence and determinants of depressive symptoms among postpartum mothers visiting rural health centre in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study found that nearly a quarter of postpartum mothers in rural Ethiopia experience depression, with key risk factors including past mental illness and low social support.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the prevalence and determinants of postpartum depression in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia.

## Key findings

- The prevalence of postpartum depression was 24.6% among the studied mothers.
- Low social support was the strongest risk factor for postpartum depression.
- Mothers with a history of mental illness were significantly more likely to experience PPD.

## Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of major depression that occurs after childbirth and may begin during pregnancy. It affects 10% – 20% of new mothers globally and has a relatively high prevalence in developing countries. Postpartum depression can negatively impact maternal health, child development and family well-being. In Ethiopia, there is limited evidence from the Oromia Region despite its large population.

This study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of PPD among mothers attending the Batu Health Center.

The study was conducted from 11 July 2022 until 11 August 2022 in Batu, East Shewa Zone, Oromia, a regional state of Ethiopia.

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among postnatal mothers who gave birth within the past 12 months. A total of 195 mothers were selected via simple random sampling. The data were analysed via Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to identify factors associated with PPD at a significance level of p < 0.05.

The prevalence of postpartum depression among the participants was 24.6%. Among those with PPD, 18.75% had thoughts of self-harm. The factors significantly associated with PPD included a history of abortion (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.574; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.320–5.022), a history of mental illness of the mother (AOR = 7.836; 95% CI: 3.077–12.648) and low social support (AOR = 9.325; 95% CI: 5.849–12.801).

This study revealed a high prevalence of postpartum depression among mothers in Batu.

Routine screening, health professional training and public awareness efforts are essential to improve early detection and support for affected mothers in Ethiopia.