Noelia Puche-Escribano, Noelia Puche Escribano , MarÃÂa Cantero-GarcÃÂa, MarÃÂa Rueda-Extremera
Aim: Post-Partum Depression (PPD) affects 10-15% of women worldwide, though the true prevalence may be higher due to underdiagnosis. PPD impacts both the mental and physical health of mothers and has potential long-term consequences for children and families. This systematic review aims to evaluate the significance of perceived social support in alleviating postpartum depressive symptoms, with the goal of improving maternal mental health interventions.
Method: Following PRISMA guidelines, a total of 1638 studies were screened, and 18 primary studies met the inclusion criteria for the final synthesis. The studies were analyzed to examine the relationship between perceived social support and postpartum depressive symptoms.
Results: All 18 studies consistently showed a significant relationship between perceived social support and postpartum depressive symptoms. The findings suggest that a mother's perception of social support during the postpartum period can have a direct impact on her quality of life, helping to mitigate depressive symptoms.
Conclusion: The review underscores the importance of strengthening social support networks as part of comprehensive strategies to prevent and manage postpartum depression. Enhancing perceived social support should be prioritized in maternal mental health interventions to improve the well-being of mothers during the postpartum period.
Published Date: 2024-11-04; Received Date: 2024-10-09
