Postpartum Depression: Risk Factors and Prevalence in Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYWs) in Gwanda, Zimbabwe

The study sought to assess risk factors and prevalence of postpartum depression in adolescent girls and young women in Gwanda. The research objectives included identifying the level of postpartum depression, outlining risk factors leading to postpartum depression, establishing ways of early detection of postpartum depression and assessing possible ways of reducing postpartum depression in adolescent girls and young women. Relevant literature to the study was reviewed, with relevant theories like the biological, psychosocial and evolutionary theories and conceptual framework on the hierarchical model of risk factors. The methodology for the study was a quantitative approach using the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale tool for screening for postpartum depression and questionnaires for responses. The researcher collected data from the postnatal mothers up to 8 weeks. From the major findings, it was discovered that the prevalence of postpartum depression of the selected group in Gwanda was 74%. It was noted that the possible risk factors of postpartum depression are lack of support from partner/husband, constant sickness of the baby and depression, stress and anxiety. In conclusion, there was lack of knowledge from the postnatal mothers concerning postpartum depression issues and lack of communication between hospitals and postnatal mothers on the issue. As part of recommendations, the researcher recommended screening of postpartum depression, awareness campaigns and counseling. Future researchers are recommended to broaden this research in Zimbabwean outskirts to attempt mitigating postpartum depression.