Assessment of Postpartum Depression Screening Practice and Associated Factors among Physicians in Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Tertiary Hospitals in Southern and Central Ethiopia

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Postpartum depression (PPD) is becoming one of the world’s increasing public health globally. The pooled postpartum depression in Ethiopia is 22.89% and highest (33.82%) in Southern and Central Ethiopia. Even though physicians play a significant role in the detection and management of Postpartum depression, their screening practice level is unknown in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: To assess the postpartum depression screening practice level and associated factors among physicians in obstetrics and gynecology department at tertiary hospitals in Southern and Central Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study design in which quantitative approach supported with qualitative was employed among all physicians in the obstetrics and gynecology department of four tertiary hospitals in Southern and Central Ethiopia from April 1 to 30, 2023. The quantitative data was collected by a self-administered structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The variables with P-values of <0.25 from the Bivariable analysis were selected for multivariable logistic regression analysis. Odds Ratio and 95% CI was used to measure the statistical association and P Value ≤ 0.05 was used to determine the statistical significance of the tests. Six key informant interviews were conducted by semi structured guide using tape recorder and qualitative data was transcribed from audio recordings for thematic analysis. RESULTS: The postpartum depression screening practices among physicians was only 22%. Barriers include a lack of training, knowledge gaps, time constraints, lack of screening tools and Cultural influences. Physicians in the age group 30-34 were 4.7 times (AOR=4.7; 95% CI, 1.06, 21.44) more likely to screen mothers for postpartum depression as compared with physicians in age group of 25-29. Physicians with good knowledge about postpartum depression were 3.3 times (AOR= 3.3; 95% CI, 1.03, 11.06) more likely to screen mothers for postpartum depression as compared with physicians with poor knowledge. Physicians who had a training about PPD in their institution were 5.4 (AOR= 5.4; 95% CI, 1.33, 22.34) more likely to screen mothers for postpartum depression as compared with physicians who had no training. CONCLUSION: The study revealed a notable gap in postpartum depression screening practices and the interventions are needed to bridge the gap.