Prevalence and independent predictors of postpartum depression among postpartum women in Ilorin metropolis, North Central Nigeria.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity in low- and middle-income countries, yet North Central Nigeria remains severely understudied. This study determined the prevalence and predictors of PPD in Ilorin metropolis using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). A descriptive cross-sectional study recruited 374 postpartum women (≤ 12 months post-delivery) attending six primary healthcare centres in Ilorin West LGA in Kwara State via multistage sampling. PPD was defined as an EPDS score ≥ 10. The data were analysed via SPSS version 20. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression identified associations and independent predictors (p < 0.05). Among the 374 patients who achieved complete response, the PPD prevalence was 33.7% (95% CI 29.0–38.7%). Bivariate associations existed with younger age, lower education, multiparity, history of depression, lack of social support, marital violence, caesarean delivery, and nonexclusive breastfeeding (all p < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, the independent predictors were a history of depression (aOR 4.21, 95% CI 2.34–7.56; p < 0.001) and marital violence (aOR 3.15, 95% CI 1.83–5.43; p < 0.001). The findings from our study revealed that one in three postpartum women in the Ilorin metropolis has PPD, driven predominantly by prior depression and domestic violence. Routine EPDS screening and the integration of gender-based violence interventions into primary care are urgently needed in North Central Nigeria.