Maternal factors associated with postpartum depression among postnatal mothers receiving postnatal services at Lubaga Hospital. A Cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/ch43v785Keywords:
Postpartum depression, Maternal and obstetric factors, Mothers’ mental well-being, Routine screening, Postnatal services at Lubaga HospitalAbstract
Background:
Perception of mental illness among caregivers influences attitudes, treatment choices, help-seeking, and the quality of support provided to mentally ill individuals. The purpose of the study was to assess the perception among caregivers of mentally ill patients at Industrial Medical Services, Kampala district.
Methodology:
The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study employing and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis to assess the perception among caregivers of mentally ill patients at Industrial Medical Services, Kampala District. The target population was caregivers of psychiatric patients attending to both outpatients and inpatients.
Results:
The majority, 30 (83.3%), of the respondents agreed that they would take the mentally ill patient to the hospital. Out of the 6 respondents who said that they wouldn’t take the mentally ill patient to the hospital, 2 (33.3%) would take the patient to the church or mosques,3 (50%) would take the patient to the traditional healer, and 1 (16.6%) would leave the patient at home. 11 (30.5%) respondents agreed that they would occupy the patients mind with activities, 7(19.4%) of the respondents would remind and escort the patients for review in the hospital. 33 (91.6%) had a positive perception towards care of mentally ill patients.15 (41.6%) were between the ages of 29-39 years, and 10 (27.7%) of the respondents were aged 40-50 years.
Conclusion:Most caregivers had a positive perception towards caring for mentally ill patients and preferred hospital-based treatment. Some still relied on traditional and religious alternatives, highlighting the need for continued mental health education and community sensitization.
Recommendation:
The Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the media and education, should make sure that sensitization is constantly carried out in order to create awareness among the general public since everyone is at risk of breaking down mentally.
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