Perceived social support and depression levels of women in the postpartum period in Hatay, Turkey

Abstract

Objectives: Postpartum depression is one of the major problems affecting the mother and baby’s health. Inadequate social support system may affect the occurrence of this problem. This study was performed to determine the depression and social support in women at the postpartum period.

Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a cross‑sectional study. The research was conducted in Narlıca No. 2 family health center located in the city center of Hatay with 177 women who have given birth at least 2–4 months before and agreed to participate in the study. Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Sociodemographic Information Form was utilized for data collection.

Results: It was determined that women’s scores of EPDS and MSPSS were affected by the variables of intended pregnancy and obtained support for infant care (P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation (P < 0.01) was found between MSPSS and EPDS scales.

Conclusion: This study concludes that as social support levels increase there is a decrease at postpartum depression risk. It is recommended that planning of interventions should be in accordance with the factors affecting the social support and depression levels at women in the postpartum period.

Keywords: Depression, postpartum, social support, women