npj Women's Health (Sep 2024)

Incidence of postpartum depression among women with postpartum haemorrhage in Kano, northern Nigeria

  • Fatimah Isma’il Tsiga-Ahmed,
  • Musa Usman Umar,
  • Aishatu Lawal Adamu,
  • Sahabi Kabir Sulaiman,
  • Amole Taiwo Gboluwaga,
  • Rabiu Ibrahim Jalo,
  • Usman Muhammad Ibrahim,
  • Aminatu Kwaku Ayaba,
  • Zainab Datti Ahmed,
  • Surayya Murtala Sunusi,
  • Nafisat Tijjjani Abdullahi,
  • Hajara Shehu Kabir,
  • Stephen Mohammed Abu,
  • Hadiza Shehu Galadanci

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s44294-024-00031-1
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2, no. 1
pp. 1 – 7

Abstract

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Abstract The burden of postpartum depression (PPD), an important but largely neglected cause of maternal morbidity, is often increased by the presence of common co-morbidities, such as postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Additionally, stress and the absence of social support can amplify PPD risk. Understanding the relationship between these conditions will help identify at-risk women and allow prompt intervention. Using a prospective cohort design, we recruited 72 women who had experienced PPH and another 72 women who had not within 24 h of delivery to assess the risk of PPD among them. The cumulative incidence of PPD among all participants was 15.3% (19/124). There was insufficient evidence to suggest that women with PPH have a higher risk of PPD than women without PPH (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 0.55–3.13). Poor social support and high perceived stress increased the risk of PPD. We recommend screening for PPD among women with high perceived stress and low social support.