Psychosocial Factors and Social Support in Women with Postpartum Depression

Open Access

Abstract

Ananya Kar1*, Maheen Rahman2, Al-Imran Mim3, Bahar Hossain4, A H M Mostofa Kamal5 Background: Postpartum depression is a major maternal mental health problem influenced by psychosocial stressors and the availability of social support. However, evidence examining these factors together among women with postpartum depression in Bangladesh remains limited. Aim of the study: To assess psychosocial factors and perceived social support among women with postpartum depression and identify factors associated with greater depression severity. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 75 women with postpartum depression attending the Department of Psychiatry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from March 2022 to August 2024. Sociodemographic, obstetric, psychosocial, and social-support characteristics were assessed using a structured interview. Associations with depression severity were examined using the Chi-square test, while multivariable logistic regression identified factors independently associated with moderate-to-severe depression. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Result: Sleep disturbance was the most frequently reported psychosocial factor (65.33%), followed by stress related to infant care (52.00%) and financial stress (49.33%). Overall perceived social support was low in 30.67%, moderate in 46.67%, and high in 22.67% of participants. Marital relationship problems, financial stress, family conflict, insufficient childcare support, and sleep disturbance were significantly associated with depression severity. In multivariable analysis, sleep disturbance (AOR 4.05, 95% CI 1.62-10.14; p=0.003), low perceived social support (AOR 3.76, 95% CI 1.48-9.54; p=0.005), marital relationship problems (AOR 3.21, 95% CI 1.31-7.87; p=0.011), insufficient childcare support (AOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.08-6.17; p=0.034), family conflict (AOR 2.72, 95% CI 1.08-6.86; p=0.034), and financial stress (AOR 2.46, 95% CI 1.04-5.82; p=0.040) were independently associated with moderate-to-severe depression. Conclusion: Psychosocial stressors and inadequate social support are strongly associated with greater postpartum depression severity. Integrating psychosocial screening, sleep-related assessment, family-based support, and practical childcare and financial support into postpartum mental health services may facilitate earlier identification and more comprehensive management of affected women.