Prevalence and factors associated with psychological distress among women attending postnatal and infant vaccination clinics at Kawempe National Referral Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Disorders of mental health during pregnancy and after childbirth is a global problem. Postnatal psychological distress is a higher burden in low and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries. Maternal postnatal psychological distress has far-reaching negative consequences for both the mother and the child. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with psychological distress among women attending postnatal clinic and infant vaccination clinic at Kawempe National Referral Hospital. Methods:This was a cross sectional hospital based study among women that attended postnatal clinic and infant vaccination clinic at Kawempe National Referral Hospital. Eligible participants were enrolled using systematic random sampling, recruited after informed consent. Interviewer administered questionnaires that included; a demographic questionnaire, the Kesler-10 psychological distress scale (K10) was administered to consented participants. Descriptive statistics determined, prevalence of psychological distress was computed and log binomial analysis was used to determine the factors associated with psychological distress among study participants. Results: A total of 306 participants were recruited into this study with their mean age of 25.5 years and standard deviation of 5.1. Most were married (n=254, 83%). Prevalence of psychological distress was found to be 21%. The factors associated with psychological distress included; low monthly income of partner. In addition to caesarean delivery [aPR=2.17, CI: 1.28-4.40, P=0.0038], hospitalization of baby after delivery [aPR=2.64, CI: 1.29-10.86, P=0.013] and neonatal death [aPR=2.77, CI: 2.41-10.64, P=0.016] were associated with psychological distress. Conclusion and recommendations: In this study, approximately one in every five participants suffered from Psychological distress. Poverty was associated with postnatal psychological distress. In addition, caesarean delivery, hospitalization of new-born baby and neonatal death were associated with psychological distress. We encourage routine mental health assessment among postnatal women, providing counselling and psychological support to women at risk of psychological distress like those who have had; caesarean delivery, poor new-born baby outcome. Economic empowerment of women is also recommended.