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Article History

Received: 23 November 2020

Accepted: 25 June 2021

First Online: 12 July 2021

Declarations

:

: Ethical approval was obtained from the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Faculty Research and Ethics Committee (FREC) and Institutional Review Committee (MUST-IRB). After obtaining ethical approval, permission was sought from the hospital Director, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and the District Health Officers of Bwizibwera and Kinoni HCIV. The approval letters were then presented to Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (UNCST) for approval and further submitted to the head of department obstetrics and gynecology ward, MRRH, heads of departments, postnatal wards of Bwizibwera and Kinoni health center IVs, plus the Local Councils in Rwampara and Kashari County, Mbarara District.The study further adhered to the following key ethical principles: informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity, voluntary participation, protection of participants from harm, trustworthiness, and transparency. Written informed consent was sought from all the participants and were identified by number and not their names. The findings from this study were stored in a computer secured with a password for purposes of confidentiality. For those mothers who were diagnosed with PPD, they were referred to the Mental Health Clinic for further clinical assessment and management. While administering the EPDS, DSM-V and the questionnaire, participants had immediate access to counseling services in the event that they triggered emotions that posed the participants’ health and wellbeing.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interest.