Mental health problems of reproductive age group women in a rural community of south west Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Mental health is a component of reproductive health which is generally not given priority in low and middle income countries. Efforts to improve women’s health have focused majorly on issues associated with reproduction such as family planning and child-bearing while women's mental health has been relatively neglected.

Aim: This study was conducted to determine prevalence and factors influencing mental health problems in non-pregnant reproductive age women in a rural community of south west Nigeria.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted using a cluster sampling technique to select the study population. Mental health was assessed based on respondents’ experience of any symptoms of depression and anxiety. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression model at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 25.6 ± 7.8 years. The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 28.9% each while 19.8% experienced both. Gynecological conditions were a predictor of anxiety (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.3–5.6) while previous history of miscarriage was a predictor of depression (OR 10.5; 95% CI 1.0–108.8).

Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that mental health problems were quite prevalent in women of reproductive age group. We recommend that mental health be integrated into reproductive health policies.

Keywords:

• Mental health problems
• reproductive age women
• rural community
• south west Nigeria

Declaration of interest

There was no conflict of interest to declare.

The implementation of the study did not receive financial support from any organizations.