Amy Ellis

Honors in Nursing

Major: Nursing

Supervisor: Deborah Pollard, Nursing

Relationship Between Perceived Social Support and Postpartum Depression in a Group of Diverse Low Income Women in Southeastern North Carolina

Childbirth can be described as a developmental stage as well as a mentally altering event in a woman's life. For most, it is a time of joy and celebration, but for many, the birth of a new life can bring forth much unwanted sadness and pain associated with postpartum depression (PPD). Risk factors and symptoms of PPD are well documented, but still numerous cases remain undiagnosed and cared for. PPD seems to be a recurring problem in society, but there is still minimal research focusing on women of lower socioecominc status. The purpose of this descriptive, corrleational study is to look at the relationship between perceived social support and PPD in a group of diverse, low income women in Southeastern North Carolina. Methods: This descriptive, exploratory study will examine the relationship between perceived social support and PPD. A convenience sample of 57 subjects participating in a prenatal program in a county health department in southeastern North Carolina took part in the study. Variables were measured during the third trimester of pregnancy and again 4-6 weeks post delivery. Perceived social support was measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Depression was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory Results: The results showed a negative correlation to significance; as depression increases, support from family and friends decreases. Conclusion/Implications: Social support from various resources, including family and friends, can influence the well-being of a woman before and after childbirth. Implications of this study illuminate the increasing need for nurses and other healthcare professionals to be aware of and to develop early interventions that can either prevent or decrease the incidence of postpartum depression.