Perception of Mothers and Selected Informal Maternity Caregivers Regarding Maternal Depression in Two Communities of Ibadan In Nigeria

Abstract

This article described the perception of young mothers and selected informal maternity caregivers with no known antecedents of depression residing in two communities in Ibadan, Nigeria about maternal depression. This study is qualitative in design. We purposively selected fifty-one pregnant women and nursing mothers (young mothers) within the communities and the clinics. Thirty-three informal caregivers (Community Birth attendants (CBAs), elderly mothers and men of reproductive age) were also selected. We utilized Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), open-ended interviews and document consultation to obtain information about maternal depression. Discussions and interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis with Nvivo version 15. Common phrases used to describe maternal depression were “severe worrying” and “chronic unhappiness”. Young mothers opined that maternal depression was caused by lack of partner support while more of the men and elderly mothers felt spiritual causes were responsible. Symptoms of maternal depression described by the participants included prolonged loss of interest in pleasurable activities and being moody. Common consequences of maternal depression mentioned were premature onset of labour and low birth weight babies. The perceived help-seeking behaviour included special rituals and deliverance. CBAs mentioned referral to a psychiatrist as a last resort. Participants were aware of maternal depression and its symptoms, however, there were misconceptions about the causes which influenced the perceived help-seeking of elderly mothers and men. Health education interventions to dispel these misconceptions should therefore target the mothers and informal caregivers in the study area.