Perceived Stress and Education level as Predictors of Postpartum Depression among Women in Makurdi, Nigeria

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the role of perceived stress and level of education as predictors of postpartum depression among women in Makurdi, Nigeria. The aim of the study was to determine if perceived stress and educational level predict postpartum depression among women in Makurdi, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select Six hundred and nineteen (619) puerperal mothers who participated in the study. Two instruments were used:  Perceived Stress scale (Cohen et al., 1983) and Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (Cos et al., 1987).  Data were analyzed using regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed that perceived stress is a significant and negative predictor of postpartum depression among women in Makurdi metropolis [β = -.988, t = -160.930; p<.001]. Also, there was a significant influence of level of education on postpartum depression among women in Makurdi, Nigeria [F(2, 616 df) = 3.045; p<.05]. In addition, there was a significant joint influence of perceived stress and educational level on postpartum depression among women in Makurdi, Nigeria [F(3, 615 df) = 8625.435; P<.001]. The study recommended that healthcare providers, particularly in antenatal and postnatal clinics, should incorporate routine screening for perceived stress and postpartum depression using standardized tools to enhance early identification and timely intervention to reduce adverse maternal and child outcomes among the studied population.

KEYWORDS: Perceived Stress, Postpartum Depression, Educational Level.