Unveiling barriers to maternal mental health in Pakistan: knowledge, attitudes and stigmas toward postpartum depression in social support systems

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) poses a significant mental health concern for mothers globally. Despite a substantial prevalence, PPD often goes undetected and untreated, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Pakistan. This study assesses the knowledge and attitudes toward postpartum depression among the social support system of pregnant women in Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at three healthcare institutions in Pakistan, investigating the knowledge and attitudes surrounding PPD among the support system of gravidarum women. Participants included a diverse sample of 363 individuals, above 18 years forming the social support system for pregnant women. Data were collected through interviews using validated questionnaires, providing insights into their demographic profiles, knowledge, and attitudes toward PPD. IBM-SPSS version 26.0 was used for data analysis, employing statistical tests like Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Spearman correlation to examine associations.

Results: The sample (N = 363) was demographically diverse, with participants aged 18-60 years, predominantly urban-dwelling (83.5%), educational levels ranged from uneducated (19.6%) to higher education (38%). Findings reveal a moderate level of awareness (44.6%) but a negative attitude (47.5%) toward PPD among participants. Stigmatizing concerns regarding disclosure highlights the need for non- judgmental support, while positive attitudes toward non-mystical explanations (Black Magic and Jinns) of PPD suggest progress in mental health understanding.

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the stigma surrounding PPD and promote supportive environments for pregnant women in Pakistan. Enhancing awareness and fostering open dialog about PPD within social support networks can play a crucial role in mitigating its impact on maternal mental health.

Keywords: Pakistan; attitude; knowledge; mental health; postpartum depression; social support system; stigma.