Psychiatry Investig.  2023 Aug;20(8):750-757. 10.30773/pi.2023.0042.

Association of Social Support and Postpartum Depression According to the Time After Childbirth in South Korea

• Kim S
• Kim DJ
• Lee MS
• Lee H

• KMID: 2545143
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.30773/pi.2023.0042

Abstract

Objective
This study examined the association between social support and postpartum depression (PPD) according to the time after childbirth within 12 months in South Korea.
Methods
Data were collected from 1,481 women in Chungnam Province, South Korea from September 21 to 30, 2022. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between social support and PPD. Subgroup analysis of the associations of support from family, friends, and significant others with PPD according to the time after childbirth was undertaken using crude and adjusted models.
Results
Of the participants, 39.91% had PPD. The prevalence of PPD was 36.05% at <3 months, 37.50% at 3≤ to <6 months, and 44.41% at 6≤ to <12 months. A 1-point increase in the social support score was associated with an increase in the adjusted odds ratio of PPD of 0.91 (95% confidence interval=0.90–0.93). Social support from family was significantly associated with PPD regardless of the time after childbirth. Support from significant others was significantly associated with PPD after 6≤ to <12 months.
Conclusion
Family support should be provided consistently to women after birth; social connections with significant others can prevent PPD.

Keyword

Social support; Family support; Postpartum depression; PPD