Effect of Perceived Social Support on Postnatal Depression in Females with Cesarean Section and Normal Vaginal Delivery

Muhammad Saleem Rana; Mohammad Asif; Asif Hanif; Syed Amir Gilani; Ume Habiba; Sultan Ayaz; Benish Ali

doi:10.37962/jpps.v8i4.482

Muhammad Saleem Rana University Institute of Public Health, The University of Lahore, Pakistan.
Mohammad Asif
Asif Hanif University Institute of Public Health, The University of Lahore, Pakistan.
Syed Amir Gilani University Institute of Public Health, The University of Lahore, Pakistan.
Ume Habiba Directorate of Medical Sciences, Department of Public Health, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Sultan Ayaz Directorate of Medical Sciences, Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Benish Ali Directorate of Medical Sciences, Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Government College University Faisalabad.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37962/jpps.v8i4.482

Keywords: Postnatal Depression, EPDS, MSPSS, Perceived social support.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the association of perceived social support with postnatal depression among puerperal women of Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Methods: It was a case-control study carried out during a period of 18 months (1-1-2019 to 30-06-2020). By using purposive sampling technique 284 postpartum women were enrolled from Allied hospital and Children hospital Faisalabad. The postnatal depression was diagnosed with Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was used to measure the social support that was perceived by women.

Results: According to cut-off score ≥13 on EPDS 37.3% women were found depressed while 62.7% women were found non-depressed. The mean EPDS score ± SD was 10.12 ± 6.27 (min score 0; max score 27). The perceived social support from significant other, family and friends was found as significant predictor of postnatal depression. With one-point increase in global perceived social support, the postnatal depression decreased by 0.1 points on EPDS scale (p = 0.03) among women in normal vaginal delivery group, by 0.2 points in cesarean section group (p <0.001) and the postnatal depression decreased by 0.2 points in total sample (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: A poor perceived social support from significant other, family and friends is a significant risk factor for postnatal depression among puerperal women.