Unveiling barriers to maternal mental health in Pakistan

Knowledge, attitudes and stigmas toward postpartum depression in social support systems

Dados Bibliográficos

ID22073122
AutoresJawaria Shahzad, Laiba Nazim, Laraib Hussain, Hurais Malik (0009-0005-0647-8181), Rozina Mustafa, Muhammad Usama Jamil (Nishtar Medical College and Hospital), Muhammad Abdullah (0000-0002-7908-1303, CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry), Mah Zaib Masood Awaisi (Nishtar Medical College and Hospital), Syed Hassan Ahmed (0000-0003-3575-5764, Dow University of Health Sciences), Abdul Rehman (0000-0001-7809-5124), Muhammad Hudaib (0009-0000-9040-3345), Manahil Manahil (Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences), Ahmad Umais Ahad (Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences), Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed Ahmed (0000-0003-4608-5321, University of Khartoum, autor correspondente)
Ano2025
Volume13
Páginas1527847-1527847
Data de publicação2025-06-09
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
EditoraFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1527847
PMID40552218
OpenAlexW4411161226
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas31

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: = 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

Biology · Environmental health · Health services · Maternal health · Mental health · Population · Postpartum depression · Pregnancy · Psychiatry · Social support · Clinical Psychology · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Medicine · Menstrual Health and Disorders · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Psychology · Social Psychology