POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND MATERNAL HEALTH: THE MODERATING ROLE OF PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health concern, with substantial impacts on women’s physical and mental health during the puerperal period. Evidence suggests that perceived social support may act as a protective factor; however, the nature of this relationship remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between postpartum depression, insomnia, mental health, physical health, and perceived social support, as well as to investigate the moderating role of perceived social support in the relationship between PPD and mental health. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 320 postpartum women attending obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinics. Validated instruments were used, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The results showed a significant positive association between PPD and poorer physical health (r = 0.45; p < 0.001), and negative associations with insomnia (r = -0.24; p < 0.001) and perceived social support (r = -0.38; p < 0.001). Perceived social support also demonstrated a significant moderating effect on the relationship between PPD and mental health (β = 0.97; p = 0.01). These findings highlight the importance of perceived social support as a protective factor in mitigating the impact of postpartum depression on mental health.