Nurturing networks: A prospective longitudinal study of factors influencing help‐seeking behaviours among mothers from low socioeconomic status

Abstract

AbstractAimTo explore the factors influencing help‐seeking behaviours amongst mothers with low socioeconomic status at pregnancy, 1 month postpartum and 3 months postpartum.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted from September 2022 to August 2023. A total of 209 mothers aged 21 years and above, with low socioeconomic status and irrespective of parity, were recruited from a local hospital using convenience sampling. Self‐administered questionnaires were used to collect data at (1) third trimester of pregnancy, (2) 1 month postpartum and (3) 3 months postpartum. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify significant factors influencing help‐seeking behaviour at 3 months postpartum. Sub‐analyses were conducted between primiparous mothers and multiparous mothers. General linear model repeated measures were used to identify longitudinal trends in outcomes of help‐seeking behaviour.ResultsHelp‐seeking behaviour at pregnancy and 1 month postpartum, sources of social support at 3 months postpartum, birth order of the child, attendance of antenatal classes, paternal involvement in feeding and changing diapers and mode of delivery significantly predicted mothers' help‐seeking behaviour at 3 months postpartum. Amongst primiparous mothers, help‐seeking behaviour at pregnancy at 1 month, social support at 3 months postpartum, employment in part‐time jobs and exclusively breastfeeding their infant were significant factors in influencing their help‐seeking behaviours at 3 months postpartum. For multiparous mothers, help‐seeking behaviour at pregnancy and 1 month postpartum, number of hours of antenatal class attended, Malay ethnicity, educational background, parental satisfaction at 3 months postpartum and infant bonding at both time points were significant factors influencing their help‐seeking behaviours at 3 months postpartum.ConclusionPrimiparous mothers with low socioeconomic status who underwent caesarean section exhibited less help‐seeking behaviours. Attendance of antenatal classes and greater paternal involvement in infant care encouraged mothers with low socioeconomic status to help‐seeking behaviours. A tailored approach is needed to support mothers with low socioeconomic status by providing additional support in improving the accessibility of antenatal classes and involving fathers in infant care.ImpactWhat Problem Did the Study Address? Mothers with low socioeconomic status tend to exhibit lower help‐seeking behaviours due to limited support and access to care services. What Were the Main Findings? First‐time mothers who underwent caesarean section, did not attend antenatal classes, and had husbands uninvolved in feeding and diaper changing were significantly less likely to seek help in the third month postpartum. One and 3 months postpartum are crucial time points when mothers with low socioeconomic status could benefit from additional support. Hospitals should explore online informational resources, forums, teleconsultations and virtual antenatal classes as possible alternative options to improve accessibility for mothers with low socioeconomic status. Where and on Whom Will the Research Have an Impact? Mothers with low socioeconomic status and healthcare providers of mothers with low socioeconomic status will benefit from the findings of this research. This study was conducted within the Singapore context. Findings could be generalizable to other cultural contexts with similar multi‐ethnic populations. Reporting MethodSTROBE checklist.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.