Social Support Levels, Mental Health Status and Related Factors in Postpartum Women During the Pandemic

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the social support levels, mental health status and related factors of women in the postpartum period during the pandemic process. The data of the descriptive study were collected between 12 May and 27 June 2022. The study was conducted with 264 postpartum mothers who gave birth in a university hospital. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (SDS). The total mean score of the mothers' GHQ-28 questionnaire was 5.70±5.44, and it was determined that 47.3% of them perceived their mental health as risky. There is a statistically significant difference in the GHQ-28 score distributions according to the mothers' age, education level, smoking, family and friend relations, desired pregnancy status, and previous psychological problems. In addition, when the factors related to SBL were examined, it was determined that the level of education, financial situation, friend relationship, and previous psychological problems were statistically significant. There is a positive and significant relationship between mothers' mental health status and social support levels. As a result, almost half of the mothers are at risk for their mental health. Some introductory characteristics of mothers affect their general health status and social support levels. According to these findings, it is recommended that more social support be given to mothers with risky mental health conditions by their families and health personnel.