Factors associated with depressive symptoms among postnatal mothers in community health clinics

Salim, Normala (2012) Factors associated with depressive symptoms among postnatal mothers in community health clinics. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression is a mood disorder after childbirth and had negative consequences on mothers, baby, and their partners due to compromised maternal functioning. This condition can continually persist and symptoms may not resolve within two weeks and may continue for many months and years. Studies in Malaysia revealed that prevalence rates were 9.8% and 20.7%, respectively (Rushidi et aI, 2002; Azidah et aI, 2006). However, symptoms and causes are still largely unidentified and under-diagnosed; and influencing factors have been limited studied. Currently, community healthcare services in Malaysia only practice postnatal care of mothers within six weeks postpartum and, they did not focus much on mental health status of mothers by routine screening, although measuring instruments are available. Thus, 50% of cases of postpartum depression were often undiagnosed. Detection and treatment should be done initially at the primary care settings. Because of undetected cases, mothers continually suffered without any appropriate intervention or treatment and no data have been recorded for postpartum depression in both community health clinics in Putrajaya and Kajang. Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms among postnatal mothers in community health clinics. Methods: A cross-sectional designed with universal sampling method was used in this study. Data were collected over two months using self-administered questionnaires encompassed associated factors and EPDS (Edinburg postpartum depression scale) for assessment depressive symptoms while respondents waiting for consultation. Data analysis was done using Statistic Analysis Package for Social Science. Descriptive statistic were used to describe the samples, Chi-square test was used to analyse the associations. Result: The total of 170 respondents was participated in this study. The result shows that 38 (22.4%) have depressive symptoms among postnatal mothers at 4 weeks to 6 months. The prevelance rate found to be high among postnatal mothers during 13-24 weeks of delivery (25.4%). There was association between household income (ps 0.01), depression during pregnancy (ps 0.05), traditional culture practices (p:S0.05), husbands or partners support (p:S0.05), marital conflict (p:S 0.01), and temperament baby (p:SO.O 1) with postpartum depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The findings of this study can be used to improve awareness of healthcare provider regarding mental health status among mothers, antenatally and postnatally. These can also guide health care providers in the development of prevention and intervention programmes. Keywords: Malaysia, Putrajaya, Kajang, Community health clinics, depressive symptoms, postnatal mothers.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms. Adni Syuhaida Zon
Date Deposited:	22 Nov 2022 08:13
Last Modified:	22 Aug 2023 01:33
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/267

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