Silent Shadows: Unravelling the Demographic and Obstetric Correlates of Postpartum Depression among Nursing Mothers in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence, demographic and obstetric correlates of postpartum depression (PPD) among nursing mothers in Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 1,198 nursing mothers participated in the study. They were selected from 12 primary healthcare centres and hospitals across Imo State. The participants’ ages ranged from 18 to 52 years (M = 30.38, SD = 5.53). Data were collected using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to assess PPD, and structured questionnaires were used to gather demographic and obstetric information. The results revealed that 53.9% of the participants exhibited symptoms consistent with PPD, a prevalence far exceeding the hypothesised 30%. Regression analysis showed that marital status (β = 0.124, p < 0.001), education (β = -0.102, p = 0.001), and employment status (β = -0.106, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of PPD, while age and place of residence were not. However, obstetric experience did not significantly predict PPD (β = 0.028, p = 0.355). These findings highlight a concerning prevalence of postpartum depression in Imo State, suggesting that marital status, education, and employment are key demographic factors contributing to maternal mental health challenges. The results advocate for the integration of routine PPD screening and targeted interventions to address the identified risk factors. Further research should explore the impact of social support and healthcare system factors on postpartum mental health in Imo State.