Prevalence of postpartum depression and associated factors among post cesarean section women visiting postnatal clinic.
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Date
2025
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Addis Ababa Uinverstiy
Abstract
Background: One of the biggest health issues in the world, postpartum depression (PPD), can
negatively impact mothers, their babies, and their families. Unfortunately, psychological issues
have received little attention in developing nations like Ethiopia when it comes to screening,
diagnosis, and treatment.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of postpartum depression among post
cesarean women visiting postnatal clinic at three teaching hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a hospital. A structured questionnaire
administered by an interviewer was used to gather data between January 1st, 2025, and March
31st, 2025. Depression symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression
Scale, which was locally pre-validated. SPSS version 26 was used to enter and analyse the data.
Using descriptive analysis, the prevalence of postpartum depression was determined. Bivariate
and multivariable regression analyses were employed to determine the variables associated with
postpartum depression. P-values below 0.05 will be considered significant. The 95% confidence
interval (CI) and odds ratio (OR) were computed.
Results: Postpartum depression was found to be 38% common in women who had caesarean
sections. PPD was significantly correlated with a number of factors. Compared to women aged
18–24, those aged 25–34 had a lower risk of developing PPD (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.25–0.95).
Women who were illiterate (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.29–4.59), had unintended but desired
pregnancies (AOR = 5.3, 95% CI: 1.08–26.64), were multiparous (AOR = 5.5, 95% CI: 2.82–
10.64) or grand multiparous (AOR = 5.9, 95% CI: 2.41–14.61), had mothers who gave birth to
female babies (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.74–4.65), and had low social support (AOR = 3.4, 95%
CI: 1.15–10.28) were all associated with increased odds of PPD.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of PPD among women delivered by CS indicates the need for
routine mental health screening during the postnatal period. Special attention should be given to
women with limited education, unplanned pregnancies, high parity, gender-related stress, and
inadequate social support. Targeted interventions and integrated maternal mental health services
are essential to address this critical public health issue.
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Keywords
Postpartum Period, Post Caesarean Section, Women, Addis Ababa University