Psychosocial Needs of Women in the Perinatal Grief Process and Their Attitudes Toward Digital Support Systems: A Descriptive Study

Year 2026, Volume: 8 Issue: 1 , 22 - 33 , 30.04.2026

Büşra Özer , Şengül Yaman Sözbir

https://doi.org/10.59124/guhes.1918376

https://izlik.org/JA88ZG83HS

Abstract

Perinatal loss is a multidimensional and often socially unrecognized experience that can profoundly affect women’s psychological well-being, social functioning, and quality of life. Although psychosocial consequences of perinatal grief are well documented, access to structured bereavement support remains limited in Türkiye. Digital support systems may offer accessible and stigma-free alternatives; however, empirical evidence regarding their role in perinatal grief is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate psychosocial challenges among women following perinatal loss and to examine their attitudes toward digital support systems. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted online via social media platforms. The sample included 91 women aged 18 years and older who had experienced perinatal loss within the previous year. Data were collected using the Perinatal Grief Scale (PGS), SF-36 Quality of Life Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Digital Health Literacy Scale. Descriptive statistics and path analysis were performed using SPSS 27.0 and LISREL 8.80. Participants demonstrated high
levels of grief (mean PGS: 105.57±16.68). Most had not received professional support yet reported positive attitudes toward digital support. Path analysis indicated that perceived social support and digital support use were associated with lower grief levels, whereas higher grief was linked to poorer general health-related quality of life. Perinatal grief remains a significant psychosocial burden. Digital support systems may represent a feasible and accessible approach to enhance psychosocial well-being among bereaved women.

Keywords

digital support , perinatal grief , perinatal loss

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