KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR POSTPARTUM WOMEN AMONG MATERNITY CARE PROVIDERS IN RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL
Abstract
The mental health of postpartum women is a critical aspect of maternal care that deserves significant attention. The postpartum period, often called the fourth trimester, is characterized by various physical, emotional, and psychological changes that can affect a woman's mental well- being; therefore, it remains crucial and necessitates all-around support to women during this period. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of mental health support for postpartum women among maternity care providers at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) Port Harcourt in Nigeria. The health belief model is the theoretical framework that guided the study, while the design was descriptive. The population for this study (85) consisted of intern nurses/midwives and house officers working within the labour and postnatal wards of RSUTH. A sample of 75 was conveniently and purposefully obtained during the data collection process: these were the nurses/midwives and doctors who were available during the data collection process. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire on the “Knowledge and Practice of Mental Health Support for Postpartum Women (KPMHSPW)” designed by the researcher, for maternity care providers. Data was presented in tables showing frequency, and simple percentages, while the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) Version 26 was used for analysis. The findings revealed that although the maternity care providers had strong knowledge, they did not provide adequate support measures to address postpartum mental health issues. Therefore, there is a need to integrate mental health care into maternal care by enhancing training for providers, utilizing standardized guidelines and postpartum mental health screening tools to address the gaps in assessment, support measures, and perceived barriers. Addressing these challenges is crucial for promoting the mental health and well-being of postpartum women and their families.
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