Depression and risk factors for depression among mothers of sick infants in Kumasi, Ghana.

Objective: To describe the prevalence of and risk factors for depression in a high-risk population of mothers of ill newborns in Ghana.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who had a hospitalized newborn at a tertiary teaching hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Surveys included information on maternal demographics, pregnancy and delivery, interpersonal violence, and social support. Postpartum depression was measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9. Bivariable analysis was conducted using analysis of variance, χ(2), and Fisher exact tests; multivariable analysis was performed using multinomial logistic regression.

Results: In total, 153 women completed the survey. Fifty (32.7%) had PHQ-9 scores of 5-9, indicating mild depression; 42 (27.4%) had PHQ-9 scores of 10-14, indicating moderate depression; and 15 (9.8%) had scores of 15 or higher, indicative of moderate/severe depression. History of interpersonal violence with current partner predicted depression.

Conclusion: Mothers of sick infants in Ghana are at high risk for symptoms of clinical depression. This is of critical importance because maternal depression affects infant health outcomes and may be particularly important for mothers of sick infants.