Psychological Distress Among New Mothers at Kangundo Level 4 Hospital in Machakos County, Kenya

Vollständiger Abstract

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This study assessed the levels of psychological distress experienced by new mothers at Kangundo Level 4 Hospital in Machakos County, Kenya. Psychological wellbeing during the postpartum period is an important component of maternal health, as the transition to motherhood involves physical recovery from childbirth, adjustment to new maternal responsibilities, changes in sleep patterns and fatigue, all of which may contribute to psychological distress. Data were collected during the 2016/2017 study period as part of a broader study examining psychological factors and the initiation of exclusive breastfeeding. A correlational research design was employed, and 220 new mothers were purposively recruited approximately one hour postpartum. Psychological distress was assessed using a 21-item scale, with responses rated on a four-point Likert scale. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), with frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations used to describe psychological distress. Of the 220 respondents, 152 (69.1%) experienced low psychological distress, while 68 (30.9%) experienced moderate psychological distress. No respondent was classified as having high psychological distress. Among the 219 respondents with valid scale scores, psychological distress scores ranged from 21 to 59, with a mean of 29.53 and a standard deviation of 7.85. The findings indicate that although most new mothers experienced low psychological distress, nearly one-third experienced moderate distress. These findings underscore the importance of addressing maternal psychological wellbeing during maternity and postnatal care. However, because the data were collected in 2016/2017, the findings should be interpreted within the context of that study period and not as a current estimate of psychological distress among postpartum mothers in Kenya.