Postpartum depression and associated factors in Afar Region, Northeast Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Understanding the magnitude and associated factors of postpartum depression (PPD) in the pastoral and hot region of the Afar Region is essential to identify current gains and future gaps for accelerating efforts in reducing the burden of PPD. No previously published study has examined the prevalence and associated factors of PPD in pastoral communities in Ethiopia (including the Afar Region). Accordingly, we investigated the prevalence and associated factors of PPD among postpartum women in the Afar Region, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2021. Postpartum women who visited the Expanded Program of Immunisation (EPI) units of health facilities were included. We used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to measure PPD. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was applied to investigate associations between sociodemographic, obstetric and health service, and psychosocial factors with PPD. Results∶ The overall prevalence of PPD was 37.4% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) from 32.0% to 43.0%. Postpartum women with a family history of mental illness (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.24, 4.41), who had trouble in infant feeding (AOR = 4.26; 95% CI: 2.32, 7.83), and those who experienced intimate partner violence (AOR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.58, 6.04) were positively associated with PPD. Postpartum women who attained high school education were less likely to experience PPD compared to those who did not attain formal schooling (AOR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.82). Conclusion: Our findings showed that the prevalence of PPD is higher than the national and global averages. Findings from the study warranted the need for a PPD screening program and targeted interventions for pastoral postpartum women with risk factors.