ABSTRACT
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health issue affecting women during the perinatal period, posing risks to maternal and child well-being. This study aim to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding postpartum depression among women of reproductive age in Ewekoro Local Government Area, Abeokuta. A cross-sectional study involving 150 women was conducted using convenience sampling. Structured questionnaires assessed demographics, PPD knowledge, and attitudes. Data collection occurred at homes, markets, and women's groups. Descriptive and inferential statistics analyzed the data. This study found that 71.3% of respondents had heard of PPD. However, only 40% identified adequate preventive strategies. Misconceptions surrounding societal stigma and severity were prevalent. Significant associations existed between PPD knowledge and education level, marital status, and previous PPD experience. This study highlights the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance PPD understanding among women in this region. Integrating mental health education into reproductive health services and community-based programs can mitigate PPD risk. Healthcare providers should prioritize PPD screening, education, and support. Future research should investigate effective PPD prevention strategies and cultural influences on PPD management. The study's findings have implications for promoting maternal mental health and well-being in Nigeria. Policy makers and healthcare administrators should develop programs addressing PPD awareness and education. Ultimately, improving knowledge and attitudes toward PPD will reduce the stigma associated with this condition and promote better health outcomes for women and their families. By addressing PPD, we can enhance maternal and child well-being in Nigeria.
Keywords: Postpartum, Depression, Knowledge, Attitude, Reproductive Age, Women.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page i
Declaration ii
Certification iii
Dedication iv
Acknowledgement v
Table of Contents vi
List of Figures ix
List of Tables x
List of Abbreviations xi
Abstract xii
CHAPTER
ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study 1
1.2 Statement of the problem 2
1.3 Objective of the study 3
1.4 Research questions 4
1.5 Statement of Hypothesis 4
1.6 Significance of the study 4
1.7 Scope of the study 5
1.8 Operational Definition of terms 5
CHAPTER
TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction 7
2.1 Conceptual Literature reviews 7
2.1.1 Concept of postpartum depression 7
2.1.2 History of postpartum depression 9
2.1.3 Risk Factors of postpartum
depression 10
2.1.4 Causes of postpartum depression 12
2.1.5 Signs and Symptoms 13
2.1.6 Diagnosis 14
2.1.7 Prevention of PPD 16
2.1.8 Management 17
2.1.9 Complications 23
2.2 Theoretical Review 24
2.3 Empirical Review 27
CHAPTER
THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction 30
3.1 Research Design 30
3.2 Research Setting 30
3.3 Targeted population 31
3.4 Sample size and Sample technique 31
3.5 Instrument of data collection 32
3.6 Validity of Instrument 32
3.7 Reliability of Instrument 32
3.8 Method of Data collection 32
3.9 Method of Data Analysis 33
3.10 Ethical consideration 33
CHAPTER
FOUR: RESULTS OF FINDINGS
4.1 Socio-demographic Characteristics of
the Respondent 32
4.2 Respondents' Knowledge on Postpartum
Depression 38
4.3 Respondents' Attitude towards
Postpartum Depression 42
CHAPTER
FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
5.1
Discussion of findings 46
5.2 Implication of finding to nursing 46
5.3 limitation of the study 47
5.4 Summary 47
5.5 Conclusion 48
5.6 Recommendation 48
5.7 Suggestions for further studies 49
Reference 51
Appendix I&II 55
LIST OF FIGURE
Figure 2.1:
The theory of planned behavior as applied to knowledge and attitude on
postpartum depression among women of reproductive age.
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: DSM IV Criteria for Major Depression
Disorder 37
Table 2: Socio-demographic
Characteristics of the Respondent 40
Table 3: Respondents' Knowledge on
Postpartum Depression 45
Table 4: Respondents' Attitude towards
Postpartum Depression 57
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
APA American psychiatric Association
APC All Progressive Congress
BDI Beck Depression Inventory
DSM Diagnostic and Stational Manuel of
Mental Disorders
ECT Electro Convulsive Therapy
EPDS Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
HO Hypothesis
ICD International Classification of
Disease
KPDRS
Kessler Psychological Distress Rating scale
KAP Knowledge, Attitude and Practice
LGA Local Government Area
MAOLs
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
NIMH. National Institute of Mental Health
PO Per Oral
PPD Postpartum Depression
RDC Research Diagnostic criteria
SSRls Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors
TPB Theory of Planned Behavior
WHO World Health Organization
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the study
Effective
communication in healthcare is fundamental to ensuring optimal patient
outcomes, with nurses playing a critical role in this interaction. Nurses, who
spend a significant portion of their time interacting with patients, are often
the first point of contact in the healthcare setting. Their interpersonal
communication skills not only determine the quality of the patient-nurse
relationship but also influence patient satisfaction and recovery outcomes.
According to research, interpersonal communication between healthcare providers
and patients is vital for building trust, improving adherence to medical
instructions, and enhancing patient satisfaction (Fleischer et al., 2009).
Nurses' communication skills also facilitate patient education, enabling
patients to better understand their health conditions and treatment plans.
Quality
of care, an essential aspect of healthcare delivery, is directly influenced by
effective communication. Studies have shown that when nurses engage in clear,
empathetic, and consistent communication, patients tend to report higher levels
of satisfaction and better clinical outcomes (Bailey, 2017). In particular, the
quality of care provided by nurses in federal healthcare institutions, such as
Federal Medical Center (FMC) Abeokuta, depends largely on their ability to
establish rapport, manage patient concerns, and convey critical health
information accurately.
Relationship
is a common and complex word that has varieties of meaning. It exists between
two or more parties. The manner an individual relates to people determines
their level of relationship. Nurse-patient relationship is very vital for
patient‟s recovery both physically and emotionally (Palesa et al., 2011). A
good and compassionate nurse works for the well-being and improvement of his or
her patient. According to Hildegard (2023) interpersonal relationship model
theory, nurse-client interaction is geared towards enhancing the client‟s
well-being, and the client may be an individual, a family, a group or a
community (Doss, Depascal and Hadley, 2011). Irrespective of the competent
medical care given to patient, he or she will not get satisfied if it fails to
meet his psychological and emotional needs. The nurse-patient relationship
depends on interaction of thoughts, feelings and action of each other. Patient
will experience better health when all their needs are fully considered in the
relationship ( Arungwa, 2014).
According
to Happ et al., (2006), everyone has personal needs such as feeling accepted,
love, care, understanding, respects, identity, privacy, power, control and
affection. Nurses should use their professional skills to detect patients
problems be it religious, cultural, parental, emotional or otherwise and this
can only be done through a good nurse-patient relationship. Helping
relationships are created through the nurse‟s application of scientific
knowledge, understanding of human behaviours and communication and also
commitment to the caring. In such relationship, the nurse assumes the role of
professional help and comes to know the client as an individual who has unique
health needs, human responses and a pattern of living. In good nurse-patient
relationship, clients are helped to clarify needs and goals, solve problems,
cope with situational or maturational cases that arise, clarify and strengthen
values, reduce stress and anxiety and gain insight and self-understanding
(Foster and Hawkins, 2015). Nurses occupy a very significant or strategic
position. She stays with the patient more than any other professionals (i.e 24
hours). They form the highest population of hospital workers (Campbell and
Davis, 2011). Patients see nurse’s interaction with others and draw conclusions
about the hospital based on their observation. Nurse’s attitude towards their
work, co-workers and the organization affects patient and family judgment of
all the things they do not see behind the scenes. (Barlett et al, 2018).
Without a positive nurse-patient relationship, there cannot be patient and
family satisfaction and there cannot be an environment that supports
anxiety-reduction and healing.
In
Nigeria, the role of nurses is especially crucial given the unique challenges
posed by a high patient-to-nurse ratio, limited resources, and diverse patient
demographics (Ogunbanjo, 2015). In such settings, the importance of
interpersonal communication skills among nurses is heightened, as it directly
correlates with the quality of care delivered and patient perceptions of
healthcare services.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite
the recognized importance of effective communication in healthcare, challenges
persist in achieving optimal communication between nurses and patients in many
healthcare settings. Specifically, at FMC Abeokuta, anecdotal reports and
patient feedback suggest that there are gaps in the interpersonal communication
skills of some nurses, which may negatively impact the perceived quality of
care. In a context where patients rely heavily on clear communication to
navigate their treatment plans and recovery, these gaps could lead to
misunderstandings, decreased patient satisfaction, and even adverse health
outcomes (Adeleke & Fatoye, 2018).
Research
indicates that poor communication between nurses and patients is a key
contributor to dissatisfaction in healthcare services (Bramhall, 2014).
Therefore, understanding how nurses' communication skills at FMC Abeokuta
influence the quality of care provided is essential for identifying potential
areas of improvement. This study seeks to address the gap in knowledge
concerning the relationship between nurses' interpersonal communication skills
and the quality of care, with a specific focus on the experiences of patients
at FMC Abeokuta.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The general purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of nurses' interpersonal communication
skills and quality of care on patient in federal medical
center, FMC Abeokuta.
The objectives of the
study were:
i.
To determine the nature of nurse-patient relationship in federal medical
center, FMC Abeokuta.
ii.
To find out the impact of the present relationship of
nurses on the patient carein federal
medical center, FMC Abeokuta.
iii.
To identify barriers against effective nurse-patients relationship in federal medical
center, FMC Abeokuta.
1.4 Research Questions
1.
What the nature of nurse-patient relationship in federal medical center, FMC
Abeokuta?
2.
What is the impact of the present relationship of nurses on the patient care in
federal medical center, FMC Abeokuta?
3.
What are the barriers against effective nurse-patients relationship in federal
medical center, FMC Abeokuta?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
H0: There is no significant relationship between the
nurse-patient relationship and patient satisfaction at Federal Medical Center,
Abeokuta.
H1: There is a significant positive relationship between the
quality of the nurse-patient relationship and patient satisfaction at Federal
Medical Center, Abeokuta.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This
study on the impact of nurses' interpersonal communication skills and the
quality of care on patient outcomes at the Federal Medical Center (FMC)
Abeokuta holds significant value for various stakeholders in the healthcare
sector.
Firstly,
for healthcare practitioners, particularly nurses, the findings of this study
can provide insights into how their communication behaviors directly affect
patient outcomes. By understanding the critical role interpersonal
communication plays in patient satisfaction and recovery, nurses can enhance
their communication skills to improve patient-nurse interactions, leading to
better healthcare experiences and outcomes. Furthermore, the study may
highlight areas where nurses need additional training or support, fostering
professional growth and improved care standards.
For
healthcare administrators at FMC Abeokuta and similar institutions, this
research could offer valuable evidence-based data to guide policy-making and
staff training initiatives. By addressing communication deficiencies and
enhancing the quality of care provided, hospital management can achieve higher
patient satisfaction rates, reduce medical errors caused by miscommunication,
and improve overall healthcare service delivery. Implementing targeted
communication training programs for nurses could potentially reduce patient
complaints and improve clinical outcomes, contributing to the hospital’s
reputation and success.
For
patients, the study is important because it directly addresses their needs and
concerns about the quality of communication they receive in healthcare
settings. Improved nurse-patient communication leads to better understanding of
health conditions, increased adherence to treatment plans, and enhanced trust
in healthcare providers. Consequently, the study will contribute to improving
patients’ overall experiences, ensuring that they receive compassionate, clear,
and supportive care, which can significantly influence their recovery and
well-being.
Finally,
from an academic and research perspective, this study will add to the body of
literature on nurse-patient communication, especially in the Nigerian
healthcare context, where studies on interpersonal communication in hospitals
are limited. The research findings could serve as a reference for future studies,
as well as for educational institutions that train nurses. The study will also
contribute to a better understanding of how healthcare systems in developing
countries can improve patient outcomes through effective communication
strategies, bridging gaps between healthcare providers and patients.
In
sum, this study has the potential to influence improvements in nursing
practices, healthcare management, patient experiences, and academic research,
ultimately contributing to enhanced healthcare delivery at FMC Abeokuta and
beyond.
1.7
Scope of the Study
This
study covers the impact of nurses' interpersonal communication skills and
quality of care on patient. Geographically, the study will focus on nurses in
federal medical center, FMC Abeokuta.
1.8 Operational Definitions of Term
·
Interpersonal
Communication Skills: These refer to the abilities of nurses to
effectively exchange information, emotions, and understanding with patients. It
involves verbal and non-verbal communication techniques such as active listening,
empathy, clarity, and patient-centered communication. In the context of this
study, it highlights the communication behaviors of nurses in their
interactions with patients.
·
Quality of Care: This term refers to the degree to which healthcare
services provided to patients improve desired health outcomes. Quality care
means providing services that are safe, effective, patient-centered, timely,
efficient, and equitable. In this study, it focuses on the standard of
healthcare services delivered by nurses, particularly as influenced by their
communication skills.
·
Patient Outcomes: These are the results experienced by patients as a
result of healthcare interventions, which may include their satisfaction with
care, recovery, well-being, and overall health status. In this research,
patient outcomes are viewed in relation to how nurses' communication and the
quality of care affect patients' perceptions and health.
·
Federal Medical Center
(FMC) Abeokuta: FMC
Abeokuta is a government-owned tertiary healthcare institution located in Ogun
State, Nigeria. It provides a wide range of medical services, including
primary, secondary, and tertiary care, and serves as the context for this study
on nurses' communication and the quality of care.
·
Nurse-Patient
Relationship: This term
describes the professional relationship between nurses and patients,
characterized by trust, respect, and empathy. It involves the dynamic
interactions that occur during care delivery, where effective communication is
crucial in establishing rapport and fostering cooperation.
·
Patient Satisfaction: This refers to the degree to which patients feel
that their healthcare needs and expectations are being met. It is a key
indicator of the quality of care, influenced by various factors such as
communication, responsiveness, and the overall patient experience.
Login To Comment