Abstract :
Studies are sparse on the relationship between physical activities and postpartum depression (PPD) in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria. The study explored the relationship between Physical activity level (PAL) and PPD among postpartum women in Enugu, Nigeria. 232 postpartum mothers within 1 - 52 weeks postpartum duration completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Kaiser Physical Activity level (KPAL) Survey questionnaires, which assessed PPD status and PAL, respectively. PAL was measured in four different domains (household/caregiving, occupational activities, active living habits, and participation in sports and exercise. PAL of women who showed PPD symptoms were compared with those that did not. Most of the women showed no symptoms of PPD (65%) and had low PAL (89%). Significant differences did not exist between KPAL scores of PPD positive and negative women (p>0.05). Similarly, there was no significant association (p > 0.05) between their EPDS and KPAL scores. PPD was not prevalent among the study population. And although respondents PAL were not determinants of their reported PPD symptoms, an increase in PAL scores leads to a decrease in EPDS scores which indicates that higher physical activity levels reduce the risk of PPD.
