Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and prevalence of postpartum depression among new mothers in Minia City

Document Type : Original articles

Authors

1 Demonstrator of Women Health and Obstetrics Nursing- Faculty of Nursing - Minia University

2 Assistant prof. of Women Health and Obstetrics Nursing - Faculty of Nursing - Minia University

3 Assistant prof. of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing - Faculty of Nursing - Minia University

4 Lecturer of Women Health and Obstetrics Nursing - Faculty of Nursing - Minia University

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression is a serious health issue for new mothers and has negative consequences on both the mothers and the children and it constitutes a significant public health problem worldwide. Aim: To assess knowledge, attitudes and prevalence of postpartum depression among new mothers in Minia City. Design of the research: A descriptive cross-sectional research design. Setting: The research was carried out at vaccination clinics at primary health care centers located in Minia City, Egypt. Subjects: convenient sample of 290 new mothers who were within six months after giving birth and attended primary healthcare centers for vaccination of their babies were included. Tools: Tool I: A structured interview questionnaire (Socio Demographic Data and Obstetric history), Tool II: Structured questionnaire on new mothers’ knowledge regarding postpartum depression, Tool III: Structured questionnaire on new mothers’ attitudes towards postpartum depression, Tool IV: Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS). Results: This research revealed that (51%) of studied new mothers had a low level of knowledge regarding postpartum depression and (78.3%) of them had negative attitudes towards postpartum depression. The prevalence of postpartum depression was (56.2%) Conclusion: Poor knowledge and negative attitudes towards postpartum depression were widespread, and postpartum depression was an existing problem among the study population. Recommendations: Health education and screening for postpartum depression should be incorporated into the antenatal and postnatal care by governmental policies, as this will promote awareness and early recognition of postpartum depression.

Keywords

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics