KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AMONG ADULT MEN AND WOMEN IN KUCHINGORO COMMUNITY, ABUJA, NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent mental health issue affecting women globally, with under-diagnosis common in low-resource settings like Kuchingoro, Nigeria. Cultural stigma, low mental health literacy, and limited access to care hinder recognition and treatment. Understanding community knowledge and attitudes, especially across genders, is essential for designing inclusive interventions. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 adults aged 18–49 in Kuchingoro using interviewer-administered questionnaires and simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation were used to assess associations between socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes. Ethical approval was obtained from Nile University and community authorities. Results: Approximately 67% of respondents had heard of PPD, but detailed understanding of symptoms and causes was poor. Women demonstrated significantly higher awareness than men (p < 0.05), and higher education was associated with more positive attitudes. Misconceptions were common, including beliefs linking PPD to spiritual or moral failings. Social media was the most cited source of information, ahead of healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Awareness of postpartum depression in Kuchingoro is moderate, but stigma and misinformation remain significant barriers. Women and more educated individuals showed greater mental health literacy. The findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive, gender-inclusive mental health education using trusted platforms to improve early recognition and support for PPD. Keywords: Postpartum Depression, Mental Health Literacy, Gender Differences, Stigma, Community-Based Interventions.