Pregnancy Intention and Prenatal/Postpartum Status as Demographic Predictors of Perinatal Depression Among Women Attending Tertiary Health Institutions in Makurdi, Nigeria

Vollständiger Abstract

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Perinatal depression remains a significant public health concern affecting maternal well-being and child development. This study examined pregnancy intention and prenatal/postpartum status as demographic variables associated with perinatal depression among women attending tertiary health institutions in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was adopted, and data were collected from 396 perinatal women attending antenatal, postnatal, and immunisation clinics. Findings revealed that pregnancy intention significantly influenced perinatal depression, with women experiencing unplanned pregnancies reporting higher depression scores compared to those with planned pregnancies. However, no significant difference was observed between prenatal and postpartum women in levels of perinatal depression. These findings suggest that emotional readiness for pregnancy plays a crucial role in maternal mental health, while depressive symptoms may occur across the entire perinatal period. The study recommends routine mental health screening and enhanced counselling services for women during pregnancy and postpartum periods.