Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Postpartum psychiatric morbidity is linked to significant adverse consequences. Aims & Objectives: This study aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of puerperal psychiatric morbidity in a Nigerian hospital.
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study of 203 women. The GHQ-30 was used to screen for psychiatric morbidity while Structured Clinical Interview for DSM IV disorders (SCID) was used to determine specific psychiatric disorders.
Results: Twenty five women (13.9%) experienced psychological distress. Psychiatric morbidity was associated with poor cordiality 2 2 2 (χ = 62.45: p<0.001), poor support (χ = 95.86: p<0.001), and change in marital relationship (χ = 5.86: p<0.001). Predominant 2 2 symptoms of anxiety in pregnancy (χ = 4.55: p = 0.033) and poor status of the baby (χ = 11.94: p = 0.001) were the only significant obstetric factors. Conclusion: Adequate care and interventions tailored to the mental health needs of pregnant women should be provided in the delivery of maternal and child health services in Nigeria in order to reduce the burden of postpartum psychiatric disorders.