Date of Award

8-2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Medicine (MMed)

First Advisor

Prof Gulnaz Mohamoud

Second Advisor

James Orwa

Department

Family Medicine (East Africa)

Abstract

Background 

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major mental health disorder affecting women during the postpartum period with a global prevalence of up to 17.22%. This prevalence has been shown to be higher in low and middle-income countries. In Kenya, about a fifth of women are affected. PPD can lead to poor infant growth and interference with maternal-child bonding. Additionally, women with PPD experience a lower quality of life and their children have an increased risk of developing and psychotic disorders later in life. Understanding the factors associated with PPD is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention. The study aimed to determine the factors associated with Postpartum Depression and the prevalence of postpartum depression among in women attending postnatal and well-baby clinics at a tertiary care hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.

Methods 

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, targeting women who were six weeks or less postpartum. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to screen for PPD, with a score of 10 or more indicating the presence of PPD. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify significant associations between various factors and PPD.

Results & Analysis 

The study found that 23.9% of women had PPD, with a cut-off score of ≥10 on the EPDS. Satisfaction with body image significantly reduced the odds of developing PPD (Odds 0.387; 95% CI [0.19 – 0.78], p=0.008). Conversely, the presence of family conflict increased the odds of PPD (Odds: 4.89, 95% CI [1.5 -15.35], p=0.007). Other factors such as mode of delivery, mode of infant feeding, history of previous depression, and satisfaction with infant health did not show a statistically significant association with PPD. Discussion The findings highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions in postnatal care services to address PPD. Routine screening using standardized tools like the EPDS should be integrated into maternal healthcare to ensure early detection and intervention. Addressing psychosocial determinants such as family conflict and body image satisfaction is crucial in mitigating the risk of PPD.

First Page

1

Last Page

72

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