Thesis:

Prevalence of prenatal depression and associated factors among adolescent mothers seeking ante-natal care at Wajir county Referral hospital in Wajir county, Kenya

Prenatal depression among adolescent mothers is a serious public health concern, impacting the wellbeing of both mother and child. This study explores the prevalence of prenatal depression and the various factors influencing it among adolescent mothers attending antenatal care at Wajir County Referral Hospital. The primary objective is to determine how widespread prenatal depression is in this population and identify socio-cultural, maternal, and healthcare-related factors that may increase risk. Specific objectives include assessing the prevalence rate of prenatal depression, understanding the socio-cultural influences, examining maternal factors, and investigating healthcare factors that contribute to depression in these young mothers. Data collection involved a questionnaire-based approach, enabling detailed quantitative analysis. Findings reveal a significant prevalence of prenatal depression among adolescent mothers in Wajir, with a notably high rate of 50.8% among those aged 15 to 18. Several socio-demographic factors, such as age, educational level, and socioeconomic status, were identified as key factors amplifying vulnerability to prenatal depression. Additional psychosocial stressors including societal stigma, lack of support networks, and cultural pressure was found to further elevate the risk of depression within this group. By considering these adolescent mothers' perspectives, the study sheds light on the complex dynamics of prenatal depression, emphasizing the need for mental health support integrated into antenatal care services.A case-control study design within the hospital setting proved particularly effective for examining prenatal depression among this population, offering a focused understanding of the issue. The study found an overall prevalence of prenatal depression at 33.3%, underscoring the urgent need for mental health support specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by adolescent mothers in Wajir County. The study concludes that addressing the diverse factors contributing to prenatal depression can significantly improve the well-being of both adolescent mothers and their infants, supporting a healthier transition into motherhood for this vulnerable group. These findings add valuable insights to discussions on prenatal mental health for adolescent mothers in resource-limited settings, underscoring the implications for healthcare policies, intervention strategies, and community-based programs aimed at reducing prenatal depression and enhancing maternal and child outcomes in Wajir County and similar regions. To address prenatal depression effectively, the study recommends several actions. First, the integration of routine mental health screenings into antenatal visits is critical to detect and address symptoms early. The County Ministry of Health should develop community campaigns to reduce stigma surrounding adolescent pregnancy and establish support networks to enhance young mothers' emotional well-being. Additionally, the national government should implement targeted interventions, particularly for younger mothers and those with less education, by providing educational programs within antenatal care to help build coping skills. Finally, enhanced mental health training for healthcare providers is essential, ensuring they have the resources to support adolescent mothers' mental health. Through these steps, Wajir County can improve adolescent mothers' mental health and overall well-being