Evaluation of the Relationship between Perceived Social Support and the Prevalence of Postpartum Depression (PPD) among Young Mothers at Thika Level Five Hospital, Kiambu County, Kenya

Megan Kanja Mwongera; Phelista Marura Musili

doi:10.37284/eajhs.9.1.4375

Megan Kanja Mwongera Kenyatta University
Phelista Marura Musili, PhD Kenyatta University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/eajhs.9.1.4375

Keywords: Postpartum depression, Perceived social support, Significant other, Family, Friends, Young mothers, Thika level five hospital

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Abstract

A considerable percentage of women experience postpartum depression (PPD), commonly known as the "baby blues," which is characterised by mood swings, episodes of crying, heightened anxiety, and disruptions in sleep patterns. PPD is a more severe condition that lasts longer after a mother has delivered compared to normal ‘baby blues’, which is less severe and lasts for a short time after delivery. Based on these revelations, this study sought to examine the relationship between PPD and Perceived Psychosocial Support from significant others, family members and friends among young women aged between 20 and 30 years at Thika Level Five Hospital in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study utilised a correlational research design and the Social Cognitive theory. The target population was 400 mothers at the hospital, from which a sample of 120 young mothers was chosen using purposive sampling. Data collection was done by use of a questionnaire. A pilot study was conducted in Ruiru Level Four hospital in Kiambu County. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between perceived psychosocial support and PPD. The study found that all three forms of perceived social support were significantly and negatively associated with PPD among young mothers. The study concludes that perceived social support plays a crucial protective role against PPD among young mothers. The findings of this study have far-reaching implications for mothers, their social circles, and mental health practitioners, providing important insights into the genuine experiences of mothers who have recently given birth. As a result, this information offers pertinent individuals with an enhanced comprehension of how to efficiently attend to and assist mothers who are demonstrating indications of PPD.

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