Prevalence and Knowledge of Postpartum Depression among Nursing Mothers (20-49 Years) in Benue State, Nigeria

The study investigated the prevalence and knowledge of postpartum depression(PPD) among nursing mothers in Benue State, Nigeria, using a cross-sectional researchdesign. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 2080 nursingmothers with infants aged 0-12 months attending postnatal care services at the 916primary health care centres in Benue State. Data on respondents' social demographiccharacteristics and knowledge of PPD were collected using a content-validated,structured questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). Thereliability of the questionnaire was determined using a Cronbach’s alpha (0.7414) aftera pilot study at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Lafia East, Nasarawa State. Datacollected were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)version 20.0 and presented as frequencies, percentages, mean, and chi-square values.The study found a 32.53% prevalence of PPD among the nursing mothers and a lowlevel of knowledge of PPD. The knowledge of PPD was significantly (p<0.001)associated with age (X² = 51.32), marital status (X² = 18.19), and educationalqualification (X² = 38.08). Severity of PPD was significantly (p < 0.001) associated witheducational qualification (X² = 15.52), number of children (X² = 19.31) and type ofresidence (X2 = 10.54). The study concluded that PPD is prevalent in the study area,though many mothers are unaware of the condition, which is shaped by various socio-demographic influences. It was recommended that knowledge should be tailoredbased on socio-demographic factors to reduce PPD. Also, comprehensive maternalmental health programmes should be integrated into routine prenatal and postnatalcare to include psycho-education on the causes, symptoms, and effects of depression.