Publications

Abstract:

Introduction: The postpartum period is a very vulnerable period, especially in terms of the psychosocial aspects of health. These women are prone to develop depression, psychosis or anxiety disorders. Social support, defined as the perception thatone is cared for and has assistance from other people, thus plays a crucial role in the health of these women. 

Objective: This study was done with the aim of identifying the main source of social support in post partum women and to assess the most common type (emotional, informational, instrumental, appraisal and financial) of social support they received. 

Methods: A mixed methods study (both qualitative and quantitative methods) was conducted during January–March 2017 at a maternity hospital in a village in Ramanagaram district. A pre-tested interview schedule was administered to 172 postpartum women and three focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted.

 Results: 172 postpartum women were interviewed. About 47% of the women were primipara and 97% were term pregnancies. The primary source of social support was the women’s parents. Women reported receiving all types of social support- emotional and financial support mainly from the parents, followed by the spouse. Primary source of instrumental support (tangible aid/service) were the parents followed by the in-laws. In the FGDs the women perceived that support was very necessary in the post partum period. “If they love us they will support us”... “For the first baby, no one will know how to hold and carry the baby especially if the baby is small and we are scared”. Cultural practice of staying in the parental home make women more dependent on their parents.

Conclusion: Women’s perceived social support though adequate, was mainly from their parents and was inadequate in the areas of family planning, keeping the child warm and in cord care.