The effects of perceived social support on postpartum depression
Abstract
Aim: Links between pregnancy and depression, especially during the first postpartum months are well recognized. Pregnancy-related depression may harm the mother as well as her baby. We aimed to investigate the effects of social support on depression in mothers during the postpartum period.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Erzurum city center involving 110 mothers. Data was collected using The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS).
Results: Mean age of the participants was 28.8±5.9 years. Majority of the participants were housewives (75.5%; n=83). Of the participants, 26.4% (n=29) reported of having depression history. According to the EPDS, 47.3% of the mothers (n=52) had scores above the cutoff. The mean EPDS and MSPSS scores were 12.0±4.7 and 58.3±13.0, respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between the EPDS and the MSPSS scores (r=-0.42; p<0.001)
Conclusion: Social support and postpartum depression are firmly connected. Effective screening methods and early detection of postpartum depression should be utilized in connection with the primary healthcare providers, especially in areas with high risk, to prevent harmful effects of postpartum depression on maternal, infant and family health.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Clinical Sciences
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
September 1, 2018
Submission Date
June 14, 2018
Acceptance Date
July 7, 2018
Published in Issue
Year 2018 Volume: 2 Number: 3
Cited By
Doğum sonrası sosyal desteğin kadınların fonksiyonel durumlarına etkisi
Mersin Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi
https://doi.org/10.26559/mersinsbd.833413