Year: 2024 | Month: February | Volume: 14 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 222-231
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20240230
Psychological Effects of the Postpartum Period on Women of Reproductive Age
Dr Fatima Mahmood Jibirilla1, Dr Victor Omeiza Peter2, Aisha Dabai3, Dr Amatu Babakura Imam4
1Lecturer 1, Department of Community Medicine, Baze University, Abuja,
2Lecturer 11, Department of Community Medicine, Baze University, Abuja,
3Alumni, Department of Public Health, Baze University, Abuja
4Senior Registrar, Department of Family Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
Corresponding Author: Dr Fatima Mahmood Jibirilla
ABSTRACT
Postpartum depression is a depressing episode that is not related to psychosis which usually starts before childbirth and sometimes continues after delivery. This research was undertaken to ascertain the psychological effects of postpartum depression among women of childbearing age attending National Hospital, Abuja. Eighty (80) women attending the postnatal clinic of the National Hospital, Abuja were recruited and a cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Demographic data revealed that the age group of 21 – 30 years had the highest number of responses with 42.5 % followed by 31 – 40 years with 27.5 % and the least was the age group of 41 and above with 12.5 %. The psychological effects of postpartum depression among the women revealed that 53.8 % of the women are faced with complications during their pregnancy, 81.3 % encountered postpartum blues, 57.5 % encountered stress, 22.5 % are faced with the lack of support to care for the baby during their postpartum period. The study reveals pregnancy complications, postpartum blues, lack of support from husband and partners, and lack of help to care for the baby are psychological effects of postpartum depression among women of childbearing age attending National Hospital, Abuja.
Key words: Postpartum depression, psychological effects, postpartum period, reproductive age.