Postpartum Depression: Prevalence, And Associated Factors Among Postpartum Mothers Attending Primary Health Care Units In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Introduction:Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly impacts women's mental health following childbirth, often due to undetected and untreated diagnostic challenges. In Ethiopia, scant knowledge exists about the Privalence, associated factors and barriers faced by primary healthcare professionals in diagnosing PPD, along with its prevalence rates in primary healthcare settings. Objective: To assess postpartum depression Prevalence, associated factors and Exploring barriers to diagnose Postpartum depression among Primary health care units professionals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A mixed-method study comprising a facility-based cross-sectional study and an exploratory descriptive study was conductedin primary health care units of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from November 2022 to June 2023. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis and Thematic analysis was carried out. Result: In this study the prevalence of postpartum depression among women in the postpartum period was 19.8% (95%CI: 16, 23.3). And factors associated includes marital status (AOR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.035, 0.428)., low income level (AOR: 2.209; 95% CI: 1.181, 4.5132), unplanned pregnancy (AOR: 3.004; 95% CI: 1.371, 6.583), postpartum hemorrhage (AOR: 5.068; 95% CI: 1.014, 25.33), stressful life events, history of depression (AOR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.572, 6.606), poor social support. Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of postpartum depression, linked to significant factors such as being single, low income, unplanned pregnancy, financial struggles, history of depression, poor social support, and experiencing postpartum hemorrhage. Key Words:Postpartum Depression, Prevalence, Associated Factors, Barriers of Diagnosis,Primary Healthcare Units