Risk Factors of Childbirth Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Postnatal Mothers: Case of Pumwani Maternity Hospital Nairobi, County, Kenya.

Abstract

The study aimed to assess risk factors associated with childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) among postnatal mothers at Pumwani Maternity Hospital (PMH), Nairobi County, Kenya. CB-PTSD is a significant public health concern that impacts mothers worldwide, with prevalence rates influenced by healthcare systems, socioeconomic factors, and cultural attitudes, particularly in Africa. In Kenya, limited understanding of CB-PTSD among postnatal mothers, compounded by challenges in maternal health services, highlights the need for research to address prevalence, risk factors, and coping mechanisms to improve psychological support for affected mothers. The study objectives were to establish the prevalence of CB-PTSD among postnatal mothers, analyze the relationship between socio-demographic factors and CB-PTSD, identify specific risk factors, and explore the coping mechanisms adopted by mothers with CB-PTSD. Grounded in the Cognitive Model of PTSD and the Diathesis-Stress Model, a quantitative descriptive research design was adopted. The target population included 500 postnatal mothers aged over 18 years and had babies between the ages of between the age of 1-18 months. A sample of 165 respondents was selected through convenience sampling. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS), version 29.0. The study revealed significant prevalence rates of low probability of CB-PTSD at 59.2%, moderate probability at 24.2% and high probability at16.7%. A notable proportion of mothers (96.8%) had experienced trauma-related symptoms such as re-experiencing, 78% of mothers had avoidance symptoms, 87% had negative mood and cognition symptoms, while 73% had hyperarousal symptoms. Age was negatively correlated with avoidance symptoms, showing a significant relationship (r = -.204, p = .025) while employment status was notably correlated to avoidance symptoms (r = .212, p = .020). Key risk factors included overwhelming pain during delivery (70%), life-threatening childbirth experiences (67%) and medical complications (57%). 58% of postnatal mothers adopted moderate emotional-focused coping mechanisms, 54% employed active problem-solving Moreover there was low reliance on avoidance coping mechanisms at 82.5%. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including early identification and trauma-informed care, to support at-risk mothers and enhanced maternal mental health services at PMH.