Perceived Stress, Educational Level and Social Support as Predictors of Postpartum Depression Among Women in Benue State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study investigated the role of perceived stress, level of education and social support on postpartum depression among women in Benue. Six hundred and nineteen (619) puerperal mothers participated in this study. Three instruments were used in this study: Perceived Stress scale (Cohen et al., 1983); Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet, et al., 1988) and Edinburge Postnatal Depression Scale (Cos et al., 1987). Data were analysed using regression and analysis and analysis of variance . Results showed that, perceived stress is a significant and negative predictor of postpartum depression among women in Makurdi metropolis [β = -.988, t = -160.930; p<.001]. Also, there was a significant influence of level of education on postpartum depression among women in Benue State [F(2, 616 df) = 3.045; p<.05]. Perceived social support also significantly predicted postpartum depression among women in Benue State [β = .934, t = 65.118; p<.001]. Moreover, there was a significant joint influence of perceived stress, educational level and perceived social support on postpartum depression among women in Benue State [F(3, 615 df) = 8625.435; P<.001]. Based on the findings, the study recommended that healthcare providers, particularly in antenatal and postnatal clinics, should incorporate routine screening for perceived stress and postpartum depression early intervention to reduce adverse maternal and child outcomes among the studied population. In addition, efforts at strengthening family and community support system for women in antenatal and postpartum period could ameliorate the impact of stress during these critical periods.
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