Predictors of postpartum depressive symptoms among young mothers in rural Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

The study examined the predictors of postpartum depressive symptoms among young mothers in rural Limpopo province in South Africa. Cross-sectional data of adolescents and young mothers aged 16 to 24 years from the DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre were used. The centre operates as a rural site of the South African Population Research Infrastructure Network’s Health and Demographic Surveillance System. A multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of postpartum depressive symptoms among young mothers in rural Limpopo. Postpartum depressive symptoms were experienced by 39.83% of the young mothers. Mothers from food-insecure households were more likely to experience postpartum depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio = 2.59; confidence interval = 1.33–5.07; p = .005) compared to those from food-secure households. HIV-positive mothers were more likely to experience postpartum depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio = 9.34; confidence interval = 1.56–55.72; p = .014) compared to those who are HIV-negative. Meanwhile, receiving financial support from the partner (adjusted odds ratio = 0.37; confidence interval = 0.20–0.70; p = .002) and a planned pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio = 0.19; confidence interval = 0.08–0.51; p = .001) reduced the likelihood of experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms. These findings highlighted the need for policies that address food security, integrate mental health care into HIV services, strengthen family planning education, and promote partner support among young mothers in rural South Africa.