Predictors of Help-Seeking Intention of Nursing Mothers Towards Postpartum Depression in Osogbo, Osun State

Abstract

Postpartum depression is one of the major public health concerns for women of reproductive age. Studies have shown a rise in postpartum depression among nursing mothers in every part of Southwest Nigeria.Therefore, this study examined the predictors (Knowledge and sociodemographic characteristics) of Help-seeking intention towards postpartum depression among nursing mothers in Osogbo, Osun State. A cross-sectional design was adopted for this study. The multistage sampling technique was used to enroll two hundred and fifty nursing mothers from the total population of nursing mothers from facilities in the study location. Data was collected using a validated interviewer-administered questionnaire consisting of items on demographic characteristics, Knowledge of nursing mothers on postpartum depression, and items on Help-seeking intention towards postpartum depression. A standard mental help-seeking intention tool was used. Help-seeking intention toward postpartum depression was measured on a 7-point rating scale, which was categorised into low (≤ 4) and high (> 4-7). Descriptive statistics (Frequency) and Inferential statistics (Chi-square, binary logistic regression) were conducted to give statistical responses to the research hypotheses. The mean age of the mothers was 29.3 ± 5.4 years. The majority (85.6%) of the respondents were married. More than half (58.4%) of the respondents had tertiary education. More than half (59.6%) of the respondents had high Help-seeking intention toward postpartum depression. Furthermore, the respondent’s level of education had a significant relationship with Help-seeking intention toward postpartum depression (X2=19.1; p=0.004). However, there was no significant between respondent’s age (X2= 1.58;p=0.45); marital status (X2= 3.51; p=0.32); religion (X2=1.18;p=0.55); occupation (x= 10.0; p= 0.07); monthly income (X2= 5.71; p= 0.06) and Help-seeking intention toward postpartum depression. There was a statistically significant association between the respondents' knowledge and the Help-seeking intention of nursing mothers.