Emotional, spousal and family support as predictors of maternal depression among pregnant women attending antenatal in civil service clinic, Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
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Date
2019-06
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Department of Social Work, University of Ibadan
Abstract
Abstract
Maternal depression is serious mental disorder predominant among pregnant women and new mothers. Unlike any other type of psychopathological issue, the repercussions of maternal depression are cancerous in nature as it affects a significant number of pregnant women, new mothers, spouses and the society at large. This study, therefore, examines the influence of emotional, spousal and family supports on maternal depression among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Civil Service Clinic, Ilorin. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out using simple random sampling to select 200 pregnant women attending antenatal care in Civil Service Clinic, Ilorin, Nigeria. The study adopted Berlin Social Support Scale and Centre for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale as its instrument. Results of the study indicates that spousal support significantly correlated with depression / r = 0.165 , P < 0.5 ) and the relationship is weak and in positive direction, Family support significantly correlated with depression tr = 0.18 P<.05) and the relationship is weak and in positive direction. Also, prediction showed that emotional support. ( beta = - 331 , t = - 3.567 P < 1 ) spousal support ( beta = 0.247 ; 12.738; P < 5 ) and family c*beta = 236 t * 2.786; P < 1 ) had significant independent prediction on depression among pregnant women The third results indicated that participants with high level of spousal support scored significantly lower on depression than participants with low level of spousal support among pregnant women in Ilorin metropolis t(198) = - 2.224 P < 5 ) . The last findings revealed that participants with high level of family support scored significantly lower on depression than participants with low level of family support among pregnant women in Ilorin metropolis t (198) = - 3.516 p < 1 . This study was able to establish that when social support variables are adequately provided during pregnancy and after childbirth, maternal depression can be avoided from inception. Therefore, much support should be given to pregnant women and
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Keywords
Emotional support, Spousal support, Family Support, Maternal Depression, Pregnant Women