POST PARTUM DEPRESSION: ITS OCCURRENCE, PREDICTORS AND EFFECTS AMONG WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE IN BAKANA COMMUNITY

The research study was carried out on Post-partum depression; its occurrence, predictors and effects among women of childbearing age in Bakana community. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence, predictors and effects of post-partum depression as well as the challenges encountered in preventing post-partum depression among the women of the community. The population for study consisted of 174 women with a sample size of 133 women of childbearing age. A descriptive cross-sectional study was adopted and a researcher structured questionnaire adapted from the Edinburgh Post-partum Depression Scale was employed and was used to elicit data. The instrument was validated with a reliability index of 0.752. Data was obtained through the face to face method of instrument administration and data generated were presented on tables using frequency and percentages. The study revealed that majority of the women (62.9%) had a score ranging from 5-17 with mean values of 7 and 15 for the mild and severe degrees of depression as obtained from the EPDS. 41.1% of the women agreed to having thoughts of self harm and harm to the baby. Most of the women (53.2%) were married with 24.2% being single so there was no significant correlation between the socio-demographic data and a high EPDS score. Majority of the women agree to lack of finance, stress, partner abuse and lack of support amongst others as predictors of post-partum depression. 79.5% of the women agreed that suicidal thoughts, aggression and mood swings are effects of post-partum depression. Also, most of the women agree to stigmatisation by health workers and low financial income as the major challenges encountered in preventing post-partum depression. In conclusion, majority of the women have a significantly high degree and risk of post-partum depression. Low financial status, lack of emotional support, partner abuse amongst others were revealed as predictors of post-partum depression. Keywords: Depression, Post-partum depression, occurrence, predictors, effects, Bakana community.