Postpartum depression among mothers of newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in southern Ethiopia a multicenter cross sectional study, 2024

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common maternal mental health problem with significant implications for maternal daily activity, infant care and child development. Mothers of newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) face intensified psychological stressors. However, no previous study in Ethiopia has comprehensively assessed PPD by integrating maternal, neonatal, and modifiable health‑service predictors. This study aimed to determine prevalence of probable postpartum depression and its associated factors among mothers of NICU-admitted newborns in Southern Ethiopia. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to February 28, 2024 among 418 mothers of newborns admitted to the NICU in public hospitals. Hospitals were selected randomly, and participants were recruited consecutively within each facility. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS version 27. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with probable postpartum depression. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The prevalence of probable postpartum depression was 34.9% (95% CI: 30.3%–39.5%). A cesarean delivery (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.05–2.82), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.28–3.55), very low birth weight (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.44–5.79), poor social support (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.47–11.39) and lack of counseling and reassurance from health care providers (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.34–3.68) were significant predictors of PPD. Probable PPD is highly prevalent among NICU mothers. Strengthening counseling and reassurance, as well as delivering social support is important to reduce the risk of probable PPD among NICU mothers. Additionally, integrating routine mental health care screening services is essential to identify probable PPD early. Not applicable.