Hospital-based cross-sectional study on demographic aspects of hormonal contraception use and its association with depression among Somali women in Mogadishu

The study, titled “Hospital-based cross-sectional study on demographic aspects of hormonal contraception use and its association with depression among Somali women in Mogadishu,” examines the prevalence and determinants of depression among women using hormonal contraceptives (HCs) at two major hospitals. Using the PHQ-9 scale, the study found that a significant proportion of women experienced depressive symptoms: 26.9% had moderate depression, 22% mild, 18.9% moderate, and another 18.9% severe. Jadelle implants (43.6%) were the most commonly used method, followed by pills (18.1%) and Norplant capsules, with Jadelle and pill users showing higher odds of depression than Norplant users. Key risk factors included being a housewife (nearly twice the risk compared to employed women) and having a low income (less than $600), while longer duration of HC use (one year or more) was associated with reduced risk of depression. The study concludes that socioeconomic status, contraceptive type, and usage duration strongly influence depression risk, highlighting the need for awareness, counseling, and medical guidance for women using HCs.