Socio-demographic correlates of postpartum psychological distress among apparently healthy mothers in two tertiary hospitals in Enugu, South-East Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression and anxiety could cause poor mother-infant relationship that could impair infant growth and cognitive development. Psychiatric assessment has not been part of periodic evaluations in postnatal clinics. Some apparently well, but high-risk mothers continue to live with psychological distress, without treatment to relieve their burden. OBJECTIVES: The study assessed the prevalence of postpartum anxiety and depression, their co-morbidity, and socio-demographic predictors, within 6 – 14 weeks postpartum among nursing mothers in two tertiary hospitals in Enugu, South-East Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study that was carried out at the postnatal and children's welfare clinics of two tertiary hospitals in Enugu, South-East Nigeria. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Social Support Scale and Socio-demographic Questionnaire were used for the study. Correlations and multiple regressions were used to test for associations and risk factors. RESULTS: Occurrence rate for anxiety and depression were 30.1% and 33.3% respectively with a co-morbidity rate of 22%. Low social support and multigravida predicted risk factors for postpartum psychological distress, while a higher number of children alive predicted a decrease in the risk for postpartum psychological distress. CONCLUSION: The study supports service planning and the development of strategies to reliably identify women at high-risk, for effective treatment.