Examining The Prevalence of Postnatal Depression and Associated Factors Among Women: A Case of Women Delivering at Levy Hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/journalspsd.2025.3Keywords:
Antenatal, Postpartum, Postpartum depression, Postnatal, PregnancyAbstract
This study examined the prevalence of postnatal depression (PND) and its associated factors among women who delivered at Levy Mwanawasa Hospital in Zambia. The cross-sectional study surveyed postpartum women using standardized questionnaires to assess PND prevalence and identify related socio-demographic, obstetric, psychological, and biological factors. The findings revealed that most respondents were between 26-30 years old, married, and had primary level education. Despite a high unemployment rate of 76.1%, most respondents reported household incomes above K2,000. The study found that 54.8% of participants experienced post-birth sadness, while 48.6% reported anxiety. The overall PND prevalence was 18.2%, aligning with previous research findings. Financial stress emerged as the most significant contributing factor to PND, with 94.3% of respondents identifying it as a concern. Relationship difficulties (77.9%) and lack of social support (75.8%) were also major factors. Notably, childcare-related stress was not perceived as a significant contributor by most respondents, contrasting with existing literature. The study recommended integrating routine mental health assessments into postnatal care and developing culturally sensitive interventions at the hospital.
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