Predicting postnatal depressive symptoms in a prospective cohort study in Rwanda: the impact of poor maternal social support

Background Postnatal depression is a significant public health issue that demands attention, and recent evidence indicates rates are relatively high in low-income countries such as Rwanda. However, lack of social support recognized potential risk factor for postnatal depressive symptoms. This study sought to explore the influence poor maternal on symptoms sample women Method A prospective cohort research design was conducted with recruited from four different centers Rwanda's Southern Province. 396 pregnant accessing antenatal care services at baseline their late second term or later, then followed up after giving birth. The dropout rate 21.46%; thus, data 311 were analyzed. outcome variable presence (Edinburgh Depression Scale (EPDS) (≥12 cut-off score), while predictor variables included measured using modified Maternal Social Support (MSSS), perceived status, socio-demographic information (marital wealth class, age, education, occupation), negative life events, gestational obstetric (parity, pregnancy intention, age birth, children given mode delivery). Univariate multivariate analyses performed. Results From participants, over quarter (20.9%) had elevated (EPDS ≥ 12 scores). Elevated scores predicted by status; respondents reporting neither nor good (AOR = 0 .28, CI 0.11; 0.72, p 0.007) .14, 0.05; 0.37, 0.001) less likely be affected. Poor also linked symptoms; partner 4 .22; 1.44; 12.34; 0.009) associated risk, friend .47, 0.23; 0.98, 0.04) protector. Additionally, violence events independent predictors (AOR: 2.94, CI: 1.37–6.29, 0.005). Conclusion found affect one five Rwandan women. can strong Early interventions targeting mothers period strengthened networks should developed.