Research Article
Abiru Neme Negewo
Abstract
Introduction: Depression is a serious psychiatric problem for women affecting their overall health, it has a negative impact on pregnancy and its outcomes maternal depression also increases risk factor for suicide and infanticide. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of depression among pregnant women attending ANC follow up clinic at higher two health center, Jimma teaching health center, Shenen Gibe hospital and JUSH. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 228 pregnant women having ANC follow up at public health care setting in Jimma town, from May 29 to June 7, 2018, using convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using both interviewer administered and self-administered structured and pretested questionnaire. Collected data was analyzed using the SPSS version 20.0 and descriptive statistics and chi-square test was done to assess association between variables, which declared at p-value less than 0.05. Finally obtained results presented using simple frequency tables and charts. Results: A total of 228 mothers participated in the study, 88 (38.6%) of the respondents were between 25-29 years of age, 104 (45.6%) were Oromo, 100 (43.9%) were Muslim, 90 (39.5%) were illiterate, and 67 (29.4%) of them were house wife. One hundred thirty eight (71.9%) were multi gravid, 136 (59.6%) were second trimester, 48 (21.1%) had history of abortion, 128 (56.1%) and 152 (66.7%) of respondents reported that pregnancy was planned and supported, 12 (5.3%) had past history of mental illness, 24 (10.5%) reported family history of mental illness, 20 (8.8%) had history of khat chewing and 40 (20.6%) had history of violence in the past one year. Eighty (35.09%) of them were possibly depressed. Age, ethnicity, marital status, educational status, and occupation of the mothers were socio demographic characteristics strongly associated with maternal depression (p=0.000), and vidity, history of life time abortion, unplanned pregnancy, personal past history of mental illness, family history of mental illness and history of partner violence were maternal characteristics strongly associated with maternal depression (p<0.001). Conclusion: Prevalence of depression among respondents was found to be higher. Socio demographic and maternal characteristics were found to be factors strongly associated with maternal depression.