SOCIAL SUPPORT AND THE ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AMONG MOTHERS ATTENDING PRIMARY CARE CENTERS IN MALAYSIA.

Nadzirah Ruslan; Salina Mohamed; Norley Shuib; Mohamad Ikhsan Selamat; Omar Ali

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SOCIAL SUPPORT AND THE ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AMONG MOTHERS ATTENDING PRIMARY CARE CENTERS IN MALAYSIA.

Author: Nadzirah Ruslan ¹ ; Salina Mohamed ² ; Norley Shuib ² ; Mohamad Ikhsan Selamat ³ ; Omar Ali ⁴
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1. MBBS (UiTM), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
2. Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
3. Master of Community Medicine (USM), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
4. Master of Medicine (Psychiatry) (USM), Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Malaysia
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Postpartum Depression, Primary care, Breastfeeding difficulties, Social support
From: ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2023;24(12):1-12
CountryMalaysia
Language:English
Abstract: SOCIAL SUPPORT AND THE ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AMONG MOTHERS ATTENDING PRIMARY CARE CENTERS IN MALAYSIA.:Abstract Background/Objectives: Postpartum Depression (PPD) is the most common maternal distress worldwide. PPD negatively impacts mothers, infants, and the family, affecting psychosocial and economic well-being. The study aims to determine the prevalence of Postpartum Depression in mothers attending primary care centres and the associated risk factors, including perceived social support and breastfeeding experiences. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 230 mothers up to three months postpartum attending two maternal and child clinics in Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia, from August to November 2022. Three self-report measures were used, namely the sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires, The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to assess depression and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to measure the level of perceived social support. Results: The prevalence of Postpartum Depression was 2.6%. Univariate analysis found that duration of postpartum, employment status, income groups, depressed mood during pregnancy and presence of breastfeeding difficulties were significantly associated with Postpartum Depression. Predictors of Postpartum Depression were the high-income group (P 0.044 or 10.76 95% CI 1.07-108.76), depressed mood during pregnancy (P 0.026 or 8.31 95% CI 1.29-53.47) and breastfeeding difficulties (P 0.018 or 15.14 95% CI 1.59-144.54). Conclusion: Postpartum Depression is prevalent in the community. General and targeted Postpartum Depression screening should be done early. Breastfeeding educators’ services should be feasible for the mother to reduce the risk of Postpartum Depression.
Full text:2026052409314402227social-support-and-the-associated-risk-factors-for-postpartum-depression-among-mothers-attending-primary-care-centers-in.pdf