Social support during pre-natal and post-natal stage: influence on maternal depression and mental well-being

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the amount of social support perceived during pre-natal and post-natal stage and its influence on maternal depression and mental well-being among mothers in Johor State, Malaysia. A quantitative study with the survey method conducted. Total 100 mothers from pre-natal (n=50) and post-natal (n=50) mothers from Mengkibol Health Clinics and Taman Universiti Health Clinics, Malaysia completed three questionnaire; i) EPDS ii) SSQ-6 and iii) WEMWBS. Results showed significant relationship between social support, maternal depression and mental well-being. Negative correlation existed between social support and maternal depression, positive correlation between social support and mental well-being and negative correlation between depression and well-being. Moreover post-natal mother's found to be more depressed and no significant difference found for mental well-being and social support. Furthermore maternal depression indirectly develop self- harming behavior and suicidal thoughts among pre-natal and post-natal mother's. Socioeconomic status (SES) and educational background do influence maternal depression and finally found that Malay mothers were coping well with pregnancy and child birth as compared to Chinese and Indian mothers. As a conclusion low level of social support increase the maternal depression and decrease mental well-being of mothers and high level depression leads the mother's develop suicidal thoughts. It is important for the partners and family member to realize the importance of social support. Moreover Ministry of Health, Malaysia need recognize the mother's maternal depression during this stage and appropriate counseling session and psychotherapy is crucial to increase their mental well-being and decrease their suicidal thoughts.