Common mental disorders and associated factors among mothers of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of public hospitals in Southern Ethiopia

@article{deneke2026common,
  title = {{Common mental disorders and associated factors among mothers of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of public hospitals in Southern Ethiopia}},
  author = {Tsehaynesh Deneke and Agegnehu Bante and Nega Degefa and Chare Ute and Workneh Elias and Kinde kibe and Temesgen Geta and Christian Kebede and Eshetu Elfios Endrias},
  journal = {BMC Psychiatry},
  year = {2026},
  month = jul,
  doi = {10.1186/s12888-026-08449-4},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-026-08449-4},
  note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Common mental disorders and associated factors among mothers of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of public hospitals in Southern Ethiopia
AU  - Tsehaynesh Deneke
AU  - Agegnehu Bante
AU  - Nega Degefa
AU  - Chare Ute
AU  - Workneh Elias
AU  - Kinde kibe
AU  - Temesgen Geta
AU  - Christian Kebede
AU  - Eshetu Elfios Endrias
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/07/29
JO  - BMC Psychiatry
DO  - 10.1186/s12888-026-08449-4
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-026-08449-4
AB  - Background: Common mental disorders are a major public health issue that significantly affects mothers during the postnatal period. These disorders encompass various types, with depression, anxiety, and stress being among the most prevalent. They adversely impact quality of life, physical health, maternal role fulfillment, and childcare. Nevertheless, research on the prevalence of common mental disorders and their related factors among mothers of neonates in neonatal intensive care units is limited in the study area.  Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with common mental disorders among mothers of under-one month neonates at public hospitals in Southern Ethiopia, 2024.  Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 10/2023 to February 23/2024 among mother whose neonates were admitted to the neonatal intensive care units of public hospitals in, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 408 respondents were selected by using a systematic random sampling method, taking every 2th mothers. An English version of a structured questionnaire was adapted from related different literature. Data was entered and coded in Epidata version 3.1, then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with common mental disorders. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and P-values less than 0.05 were used to declare the strength and statistical significance of the association between independent and outcome variables.  Results: The prevalence of common mental disorders among mothers in the neonatal intensive care unit with their admitted newborns was 12% with a 95% CI (8.65–14.94).Being a rural Residence [AOR = 2.52, 95% CI (1.21-0.5.27), having an unplanned pregnancy [AOR = 2.99, 95%CI (1.43–6.25)], having a cesarean delivery [AOR = 3.74, 95% CI (1.75–8.02)], and lacking of counseling services [AOR = 2.59, 95%CI (1.22–5.53)] were factors associated with common mental disorders.  Conclusion and recommendations: The prevalence of common mental disorder was high among mothers with neonates aged below one month compared to the general population. Being a rural resident, lack of counseling services, unplanned pregnancies, and C-sections were linked to these disorders. Providing counseling support for self-care and coping strategies, along with integrating maternal mental health care into newborn care, is crucial for reducing the risk of developing common mental disorders.
SN  - 1471-244X
ER  -