Common Mental Disorders in Antenatal and Post Natal MothersWho Receive Public Health Services in Georgetown, Guyana

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the sociodemographic, obstetrical and behavioural characteristics alongside psychosocial social distress, anxiety and depression in antenatal and post natal mothers who received public health maternity services in Region four (Guyana). This is a quantitative observational study (cross-section), that sampled 200 mothers between the ages of 16 and 51, from February to September 2020.

Interviews were done in homes, at work sites, clinics and hospital, using the SRQ-20 a structured questionnaire for sociodemographic, and obstetrical
characteristics. Data Analysis was done through the Statistical package for Social sciences (SPSS), version 23.0. We computed descriptive Statistics to
determine patterns and central tendencies to see variability. Odds ratio and Pearson’s correlation were done .All ethical standards were upheld. Realiability were assured through the application of Cronbach alpha index of 0.7 and above. Sensitivity,0.64 and specificity 0.84 complemented the face and construct validity of these findings.

The mean age of subjects is 26.6 years, the youngest being 17 years and the modal age group is 21-25 age The four (4) most prevalent SRQ-20 symptoms experienced by antenatal and post natal mothers are feeling nervous, easily tired, headaches, and lost of interest, 52.5, 51.5, 44.5, and 40% respectively. While the four lest prevalent SRQ-20 symptoms experienced by mothers are thoughts of ending life, daily working suffering, feeling worthless and poor digestion, 18.8, 16.6, 15.6, and 15.3% respectively.

The overall prevalence for CMD is 23.6%. Cross-tabulation has shown that positive CMD is most prevalent in antenatal mothers in the 21-25 age range(16 (10.5 %) ,third trimester 14(14.4%), multipara (12%), single mothers (in union 20.8%; not in union 14%), post natal mothers 28 (26.9%) antenatal and 8 (16%) and multipara mothers 15(26.7%).