THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS, POST PARTUM DEPRESSION AND SOCIAL SUPPORT. A PROFOUND EXPLORATION OF NEW MOTHERS EXPERIENCING POST PARTUM DEPRESSION IN TIRANA

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to make a deep exploration of the experiences of new mothers with postpartum depression symptoms. This study focuses on the perceptions of new mothers of the relationship they have with themselves, the newborn, and their close family members. The study evaluates the importance of social support in development of postpartum depression and facing stressful psychosocial factors. The study was conducted in Tirana and the target group was made of 11 new mothers, six weeks to one year after birth. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to asses post partum depression. In depth interviews are used to obtain information on the experiences of women with PPD. Results of the study showed lack of information related to PPD. Interviews provided a lot of information related to the situation of new mothers with PPD and the factors that may have affected their condition. Such are: child health, financial problems, problems with the spouse, and lack of social support. Social support as one of the main variables in the study presented was an important factor in the development of PPD. The study showed a connection between lack of social support and PPD. This study revealed skepticism of new mothers with PPD symptoms to seek specialist help and to talk about their problems with people outside of the family The study confirmed the fact that post partum depression is currently a problem for new mothers. The results from this study will serve to build another study in a larger population that will contribute to better understanding of this problem.