Mediating Role of Coping Styles in the Relationship Between Social Support and Postpartum Depression among Childbearing Women in Ibadan Metropolis

Abstract

The study investigated prevalence of postpartum depression, perceived social support and coping styles among childbearing women in Ibadan metropolis.  A cross-sectional study was carried out among 410 postnatal women (who delivered within the last twelve months) recruited from selected health care centers in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Three standardized instruments were used for data collection namely; Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Brief COPE Inventory. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, chi-square, and mediation analysis using the PROCESS Macro (Model 4). Result revealed that 33.9% of the respondents had a score above the EPDS cut-off score (≥13), for probable PPD. Emotion-focused coping was the predominant (74.8%) coping style, followed by problem-focused (51.2%) and avoidant coping (28.7%). Regression analysis revealed that emotion- and problem-focused coping predicted lower levels of depression, while avoidant coping predicted greater risk of PPD (β = 0.45, p < .001). Mediation analysis further indicated that coping styles were partial mediators between social support and depression (indirect effect = –0.18, 95% CI [–0.29, –0.08]). Coping strategies substantially mediate the influence of social support on depression among postpartum mothers. Based on these findings, enhancing social networks and delivery of culturally appropriate psychoeducational interventions are necessary to increase postpartum wellbeing among mothers.