PREVALENCE AND CORRELATES OF PERINATAL DEPRESSION AMONG YOUTHS IN IBADAN NORTH AND EGBEDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF OYO STATE

Abstract

Background: Depression is a major mood disorder affecting all age groups across the world. It is more common in women than in men at a ratio of 2:1. Perinatal depression affects approximately 10-20% of women during pregnancy and in the postpartum period which extends to 12 months after delivery. Studies have revealed that the rate of perinatal depression is higher in the adolescent population when compared to the general adult female population. Even though Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in the world, very little is known about perinatal depression in Nigerian youth. This study set out to explore the prevalence and determinants of perinatal depression in Nigerian youth. Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional survey of 270 pregnant youths aged 15-24 years attending maternity services in Ibadan North and Egbeda local government areas of Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria. The Maternity centres included Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, four Primary Maternity and Child Health Centres and two Church-owned Maternity Centres. Depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Respondents with scores equal or greater than 12 were scored positive to depression and social support was assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Assessment. Socio-demographic correlates of depression were assessed with an adapted Global School Health Questionnaire (GSHQ). Bivariate analysis was done to identify correlates and perinatal depression at 5% (0.05) level of significance.

Results: A total of 270 pregnant youths in the age range of 15-24 years were recruited into the study. The mean age was 19.1± 2.23 years. The results were presented in two sections. Section one presented the respondents as adolescents (15-19 years) and compared them to young adults (20-24 years). Out of the 270 pregnant youths interviewed, about 118 (43.7%) of the respondents were aged 15-19 years while 152 (56.3%) were between 20 and 24 years. The respondents were regrouped again into those in the child age range (15-17 years) and older persons aged 18-24 years. Only 27 (10%) of the respondents were within the age of 15-17 years and 243(90%) were between ages 18-24 years. More than three-quarters (85.2%) of the respondents were educated up to secondary school level and 76.3% were married. The prevalence of perinatal depression in this sample of youths was 20%. Socio-demographic characteristics such as low economic status (p= <0.001) and being single (p=<0.001) were identified as significant correlates of perinatal depression in this sample of pregnant youth. Pearson correlation revealed a negative association between social support scores and depression scores in this sample of pregnant youths (p= r -0.241, p< 0.001). The study also revealed an association between suicidal thought and perceived low social support among respondents (p=0.012).

Conclusions: This study confirms that perinatal depression is a common mental disorder among youths in Ibadan. The study identified low socioeconomic status, being single, living with other relatives instead of the husband and lack of social support from husband, family and friends as common correlates of perinatal depression in this sample of pregnant youth. The author therefore suggests incorporation of screening for depression into routine ANC services in Nigeria.