Determinants of Postpartum Depression Among Postpartum Mothers: The Role of Family Support, Socioeconomic Status, and Access to Healthcare Services
TL;DR
Positive postpartum depression screening was independently associated with poor family support, socioeconomic disadvantage, and limited healthcare access, and postnatal strategies that strengthen family involvement, address economic vulnerability, and improve equitable access to care may support earlier identification and appropriate intervention.
Abstract
Background: Postpartum depressive symptoms can compromise maternal functioning, mother-infant relationships, and family well-being. Their occurrence reflects interacting psychosocial, economic, and healthcare-related conditions. This study focused on family support, socioeconomic status, and healthcare access because evidence regarding their combined contribution remains variable across developing settings. Purpose: To examine the independent associations of family support, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare services with postpartum depression screening status among postpartum mothers. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study included 210 mothers attending maternal and child health services. Proportional random sampling was used. Postpartum depressive symptoms were screened with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS); family support was assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and socioeconomic status and healthcare access were measured with structured questionnaires. Descriptive analysis, Chi-square testing, and multivariable logistic regression were performed, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results: Fifty-one mothers (24.3%) had a positive EPDS screen. Poor family support was associated with higher odds of screening positivity (AOR = 3.72; 95% CI: 1.98-6.97). Higher odds were also observed for low socioeconomic status (AOR = 2.85; 95% CI: 1.54-5.29) and limited healthcare access (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.29-4.48). Family support showed the largest adjusted association after controlling for maternal age, education, parity, and employment status. Conclusion: Positive postpartum depression screening was independently associated with poor family support, socioeconomic disadvantage, and limited healthcare access. Postnatal strategies that strengthen family involvement, address economic vulnerability, and improve equitable access to care may support earlier identification and appropriate intervention.