Postpartum Depression and Labour Market Outcomes in Ibadan, Nigeria

Oyeteju Odufuwa, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Noah Olasehinde, University of Ibadan
Olanrewaju Olaniyan, University of Ibadan
Andat Dasogot, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

The reproductive years of women, largely coincide with their period of active engagement in the labour market, thereby affecting their Labour Market Outcomes (LMOs). Earlier studies in Nigeria had explored prevalence, risk factors of Postpartum Depression (PPD) or female LMOs separately with no focus on their interdependence. The objective of this study is to evaluate how the incidence postpartum depression affects the labour market outcomes of the affected women. The Neo-Classical Labour Supply Theory provided the framework. PPD was measured using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Employment status, number of hours worked and earnings were the measures of LMOs. Data for the study was obtained through survey using a three-stage sampling technique. The prevalence of PPD in the current study is 20.8%. The results revealed that severity, rather than incidence of PPD reduced the likelihood of female employability and had no effect job retention.