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Barriers and facilitators to seeking postpartum depression care services among postpartum mothers in Jinja Hospital Uganda
Abstract
Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major depression episode associated with childbirth and is common within 4-6 weeks after childbirth. Globally, postpartum depression affects approximately 900,000 women annually with only about 6% of women with PPD seeking psychological help. Despite the availability of PPD services in Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, uptake is still low. We explored the barriers and facilitators to accessing postpartum depression health care among those affected.
Methods: A facility-based survey was conducted at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital using a qualitative approach. Three focus group discussions and 6 key informant interviews were conducted. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Key barriers to seeking formal care included stigma and lack of social support, low income levels and availability of other healthcare options like the presence of herbalists. Perceived psychological distress, health education, linkage and psychological support to the mothers facilitated care seeking.
Conclusion: Mothers failed to access PPD health care due to stigma, lack of transport and money for out-of-pocket expenses at the health facility and lack of support from their families and partners. However, a few mothers took up PPD health care with the help of psychosocial support.
