Effectiveness of a Postpartum Training Intervention in Improving Knowledge of Postpartum Depression and Perceived Social Support among postpartum women

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant maternal mental health condition affecting women during the postnatal period, with substantial implications for maternal well-being, infant care, and family functioning. Despite its public health importance, PPD remains under-recognized, particularly in community settings. Maternal knowledge and perceived social support are key factors influencing early identification and prevention.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured postpartum training programme on knowledge of PPD and perceived social support among postpartum women in Delhi NCR.
Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test–post-test study was conducted among 36 postpartum women from selected rural areas of Delhi NCR using non-probability convenience sampling. Knowledge regarding postpartum depression was assessed using a validated self-structured questionnaire before and after a video-assisted training programme. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-test to evaluate effectiveness, while the Chi-square test examined associations between post-test knowledge scores and selected demographic variables.
Results: The pre-test mean knowledge score was 7.08 (SD = 2.91), which increased to 19.25 (SD = 4.48) post-intervention (t = 12.17, df = 35, p < 0.05). Inadequate knowledge reduced from 88.9% to 11.1%, while adequate knowledge increased to 36.1%. Significant associations were found between post-test knowledge and variables such as age, education, parity, newborn gender, delivery mode, and income (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Postpartum depression remains a significant public health issue among postnatal women. Video-assisted postpartum training was found to be effective in enhancing maternal knowledge, highlighting the need to strengthen nurse-led educational interventions within routine maternal health services for early identification and prevention.