The relationship between postpartum depression and social support and affecting factors

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relation between postpartum depression and social support and affecting factors. Material and Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and descriptive form was utilized for data collection. The study was performed at the polyclinic of obstetrics and gynecology in Erzincan State Hospital within October-December in 2006. Descriptive form, EPDS, MSPSS were used for intervived with women face to face. The mothers of 0-12 month-old babies who have consulted the polyclinic within these months and who voluntered to take part in the study are included in the study (n=197). In evaluation of the data, percentage, Pearson Corelation, Kruskal Wallis, t test and Mann Withney-U tests were employed. Results: It is founded out that the average women’s age is 26.39±5.55, %80.2 of women were pregnant willing. In this study it is also founded at that 51.3% of the mothers are at risk of postpartum depression, and that the average points of depression risk is  12.36±5.76. A significant difference between the women’s spouses’ level of education and economic conditions and postpartum depression was found (p<0.05). Besides, it is determined that the total MSPSS average points of the women are 47.04±13.62, and that the average points of the subscale of social support which is special person (nurse) is  8.68±6.39. There is a significant relation (p<0.001, p<0.01, p<0.05) among the social support points perceived by the sub-dimensions of postpartum depression and multidimensional scale of perceived social support, which are family, friends and special person (nurse). Conclusion: It was ascertained that the postpartum depression risk, 51.3 % is higher than the limits given in litterature. Also it was determined meaningful difference between postpartum depression and social support. It is important that the women posing postpartum depression be observed by the health workers and that the appropriate applications be made.