SOCIAL SUPPORT AND LIVED EXPERIENCES OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR CULTURALLY-SENSITIVE MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS

Abstract

This study examined the psychosocial factors influencing postpartum depression (PPD) among nursing mothers in Imo State, Nigeria, with a focus on social support, spouse employment, and spousal education. Using a mixed-methods approach, specifically, convergent parallel design, quantitative data were collected from 1,198 nursing mothers (ages 18–54 years, M=30.38 and within a postpartum window of ≤12 months) through the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). A score of ≥13 was employed as the cut-off to indicate a positive screen for PPD. Qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions (FGDs) to explore the lived experiences of postpartum mothers. Results from Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that perceived social support was a significant negative predictor of PPD, with higher levels of support being associated with lower depression scores (β = -0.196, p < 0.001). Spouse employment status also significantly predicted PPD (β = -0.084, p = 0.003), indicating that employed spouses were associated with lower depression scores. Additionally, spouse educational level was found to be a significant predictor (β = -0.067, p = 0.020), with higher levels of spousal education linked to lower depression levels in mothers. The regression models explained up to 5% of the variance in postpartum depression. Qualitative findings emphasised the critical role of emotional, practical, and financial support in reducing depressive symptoms. Mothers who lacked adequate support, especially from spouses or family members, reported higher levels of distress. The study emphasises the importance of enhancing social support networks and addressing cultural stigma surrounding maternal mental health. Interventions should focus on improving spouse involvement and promoting culturally sensitive care to reduce PPD.

Keywords: postpartum depression, social support, spousal factors, maternal mental health, Nigeria.