Assessment of postpartum depression and anxiety among mothers of preterm neonates at newborn unit-Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Eldoret

Abstract

Background: The experience of taking care of a preterm neonate is regarded as highly stressful for the mother given the ill nature and fear of lower survival rates. As medical needs for the preterm neonate take center stage in the Newborn Unit, the mother, and her role are overshadowed resulting in neglect of her physical and emotional needs. These may lead to postpartum depression and anxiety which may remain undetected and if untreated may lead to poor maternal being and dysfunction. Consequently, considering maternal role attainment theory the normal developmental and interactional process between the mother and the neonate is adversely affected. Therefore, the resulting psychological burden on the mothers was thought to result into a significant public health problem. Few studies however have been carried out on the same in low-resource countries. Aim: This study set out to determine the prevalence and the socio-demographic characteristics associated with postpartum depression, and anxiety among mothers of preterm neonates; and to determine the mothers’ perceptions towards nurses’ support in the Newborn Unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). Methods: This was a hospital based cross-sectional descriptive study. Two hundred and sixty two (262) mothers with preterm neonates were sampled using systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected using self reporting Edinburg Postpartum Depression Scale, Becks Anxiety Inventory and Nurse Parent Support Tool. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24.0. Descriptive statistics used included frequencies and percentages, while inferential statistics to determine associations between categorical variables involved mainly the Chi-square. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant at 95% confidence interval. Results: Prevalence of postpartum depression and anxiety was 65.5% and 63.3% respectively. Significant association existed between depression and: marital status χ² (3) and p = .049); and level of education at χ² (3) and p = .035. There was also a significant association between anxiety and age at χ² (3) and p = .049; education level, χ² (3) and p = 009 as well as occupation, χ² (3) and p = 012. Thirty one point seven percent of participants indicated that nurses were not helpful in allaying their worries and 28.2% reported that nurses were not concerned regarding their feeding and sleep. Conclusions: The prevalence of postpartum depression and anxiety at MTRH was found to be similar to that at Kenyatta National Hospital. It was found to be higher among the single mothers, young or teen mothers with low level of education and low socio-economic status. Unfortunately, it seemed that the mental well being of mothers with preterm neonates was not a priority for most nurses attending to the neonates. Recommendations: The health sector needs to prioritize screening, diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety for postnatal mothers. Nurses also need to include mental health support to mothers of preterm neonates during hospitalization. Key words: Mother, Preterm neonate, Newborn Unit, Postpartum depression, Postpartum anxiety, Nurse Parent support.