Effects of Postpartum Depression on Child Development

Disclaimer: This article is a thesis review or a postpartum depression research paper on the topic, "Effects of postpartum depression on child development at Dodowa Hospital, Ghana"

Researcher: B. B.

Introduction

Post-partum depression (PPD) is one of the world’s increasing epidemics. The American Psychological Association (APA) estimates 9-16 per cent of postpartum women experience PPD. Among women who have already experienced PPD following a previous pregnancy, prevalence estimates may increase to 41 per cent (APA, 2012). Stuart-Parrigon & Stuart (2014) observes that approximately between 11-42 % of women experience postpartum depression globally. 

Although the rates vary across regions, depending on socioeconomic status and other determinants of health such as access to quality of health care, PPD can cause grave health implication for both mother and child.  The condition has been found to produce increased risk for anxiety, cognitive impairment, guilt, self-blame, and fear in mothers, thereby hugely interfering with their ability to function in everyday life. Children of mothers with PPD may become withdrawn, irritable, or inconsolable, and display insecure attachment and behavioral problems (Steward, Robertson, Dennis, Grace and Wallington, 2003).

Main Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the level of knowledge with regard to the effects of postpartum depression on child development among women attending postnatal clinic at Dodowa Hospital and how this may be affecting the children they are raising with respect to their development.

Rationale

Postpartum depression has been found to impact child development (Stuart-Parrigon & Stuart, 2014). The phenomenon has several health implications for mothers, children and sometimes even men, who by various indications within African cultural perspective are less involved in the complications of childbirth. Research conclusions have noted an association between the postpartum period and mood disturbances (Miller, 2002). Other studies have linked the condition to grave affective disorders (Nonacs & Cohen, 1998).

Key Findings

Largely, women visiting Dodowa Hospital are adequately aware of postpartum depression. However, the strongest misconception amongst the respondents was the notion that witchcraft is responsible for PPD; whereas, the weakest misconception was the notion that PPD was caused by bacteria.

The most important risk factor that predisposes women to PPD is Personal or family history of depression, followed by acute stressors. The least important risk factors that predispose women to PPD are changes in hormonal levels and giving birth early (young motherhood).

PPD seems to have the greatest effect on the following components of child development: the child’s physical and creative play at school, followed by the bonding between mother and her infant and level of intelligence of the child. However, there was no significant difference in the effect of PPD amongst the following components of child developments: early interaction, cognitive and linguistic development, and behavioural and emotional development.

Abstract

Post-partum depression (PPD) is one of the world’s increasing epidemics. Postpartum depression refers to a kind of depression experienced by some women mostly after childbirth. In fact, postpartum depression has been found to impact child development. Additionally, knowledge about PPD may rather be on the low side. This study therefore sought to investigate the effects of postpartum depression on the development of children of postpartum mothers, as well as an examination of the level of awareness and misconceptions women have of postpartum depression. The study was essentially descriptive in nature and employed the empirical research design. Primary data was collected by questionnaire administration.. The research setting was Dodowa District Hospital. The strongest misconception amongst the respondents was the notion that witchcraft is responsible for PPD. Such was the strength of this misconception that many of the respondents when asked how they will tackle PPD said they will seek spiritual help or guidance. Low level of education of majority of respondents may have affected the way information disseminated was perceived, thus leading to misunderstandings and misinterpretations, which eventually led to misconceptions. The most important risk factor that predisposes women to PPD was found to be Personal or family history of depression, followed by acute stressors. Indeed, 19 out of the 50 respondents, representing a massive 38 %, have one time or the other had thoughts of harming themselves. This means that for every 10 persons that visit the Dodowa hospital, at least 3 of them have suicidal thoughts. This explains the strong agreement of the effect of PPD by respondents on their infants. The effects of PPD seem to be greatest on the behavioural and emotional development of the child. It is recommended that postnatal classes being organized by the Hospital for postpartum women should be geared more towards addressing some of the misconceptions held by postpartum women about PPD.

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