Psychosocial Determinants of Postpartum Depression and Maternal Well-Being among Postnatal Women

Abstract

Postpartum depression, a major depressive disorder, predisposes postnatal mothers to physical, social, and psychological malfunctioning. Purpose: The study aimed to identify the psychosocial determinants of postpartum depression and maternal well-being among mothers in the Accra metropolis. Materials and Method: A sample of 205 postnatal women between the ages of 15 -39 years and are 4 -12 weeks old postpartum was drawn from 37 Military Hospital, Accra. Employing a sequential explanatory approach, participants were administered the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Marital Adjustment Test (MAT), and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Findings: The study revealed that 14.1% of postnatal women in the Accra metropolis are at risk of developing PPD. A significant model emerged, [R2 = 0.488, F (7, 197) = 26.86, ρ < 0.05] and this was predicted by anxiety, stress and marital dissatisfaction among couples. On the other hand, results from Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of participants' in-depth information revealed inadequate social support and dissatisfaction in marriage account for mothers' at-risk behaviour of developing PPD; which impacts on maternal well-being. Conclusion: It is concluded that PPD is patent among postnatal women and psychosocial variables contribute a significant role in their experience of mental health problems following childbirth. This, in effect, requires attention from health professionals for holistic healthcare. The implications of these outcomes are discussed concerning mental healthcare delivery, the general public, and stakeholders in the health sector.

The Role of Social Support in Perinatal Mental Health and Psychosocial Stimulation

“…A mean score between 1 and 2.9 indicates low social support; a score between 3 and 5 is considered moderate support; and a score between 5.1 and 7 suggests high support. The MSPSS has previously been used among perinatal populations [48][49][50]. It has also been used globally and found to be psychometrically sound with good reliability and validity [51][52][53][54].…”

Childbirth experiences and post-partum depression among mothers in selected hospitals in Kiambu, Kenya

“…This could be mothers who perceived inadequate social support, may be having financial constrains or the baby presented with some health challenges. In a study to identify the psychosocial determinants of postpartum depression and maternal well-being among mothers in the Accra metropolis it was argued that anxiety about childcare gives rise to depression [31] . Most mothers felt a high level of satisfaction regarding their baby's behaviour and feeding.…”

A Faktor Yang Berpengaruh Terhadap Kejadian Postpartum Blues

“…Postpartum Blues ini dikategorikan sebagai gangguan mental ringan sehingga sering tidak di perdulikan, tidak terdiagnosa dan akhirnya tidak ditangani, keadaan ini akan membuat perasaan tidak nyaman bagi wanita yang mengalaminya, sehingga mempunyai dampak buruk terutama dalam kesehatan ibu, hubungan dengan suami dan perkembangan anak. (Masruroh, 2013) Adapun ibu yang mengalami depresi postpartum jika tidak segera di tangani dapat berefek negatif terhadap keterikatan ibu anak dan perkembangan anak (Paddy et al, 2021) Wanita penderita di masyarakat pada umumnya tidak menampakkan gejala depresi karena mereka takut dan malu mendapat anggapan bahwa mereka tidak mampu menjalankan peran sebagai ibu. Kebanyakan penderita yang mencari pertolongan datang ke pelayanan kesehatan, hanya sedikit mengungkapkan perasaan depresi mereka tetapi hanya melaporkan gejala fisik yang mengganggu.…”