Analysis of Risk Factors Contributing to Postpartum Depression: A Retrospective Case Study at Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta

Abstract

Postpartum depression is a serious mental disorder after childbirth, harming mothers, infants, and families. Delayed recognition increases risks, leading to untreated illness, chronicity, and recurrence, significantly affecting social and cognitive health. This study aimed to assess the contributing factors influencing postpartum depression among mothers attending Neuropsychiatric hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State in the last 10 years.
This descriptive retrospective study involved 50 patient records which were selected using the purposive sampling method of the available patient records at the research setting. The checklist for data collection was compared with the literature review on the research topic and reviewed by experts in the field of nursing and midwifery to ensure content validity. The reliability of the instrument was assessed through test-retest method which yielded reliability index of 0.70. The data was collected using a checklist and results were presented in tables using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26.
This study revealed that participants, all within reproductive age, experienced postpartum depression. Social factors included lack of social support (50%) and breastfeeding difficulties (2%). Psychological contributors were dominated by financial difficulties (40%), alongside fewer cases of domestic violence and marital problems. These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of postpartum depression, shaped by both social and psychological determinants among affected mothers.
This study concluded that Postpartum depression is multifactorial, influenced by psychological, obstetric, and social factors, with key risks including poor relationships, domestic violence, financial stress, psychiatric history, caesarean section, hypertension, breastfeeding challenges, and multiple births.