PERCEIVED IMPACT OF PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT TO WOMEN DURING LABOUR AND THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD AMONG POSTNATAL MOTHERS IN LILY HOSPITAL AMAHOR COMMUNITY EDO STATE

Abstract

The study focused on examining the relationship between psychosocial support and maternal well-being among postnatal mothers in Amahor Community, Edo State, Nigeria. Adopting a quantitative survey research design, data was collected using a structured questionnaire from a sample of 86 respondents. The questionnaire comprised items related to the types of psychosocial support received, perceived benefits, barriers to access, and socio-demographic information. The data collected was analyzed using regression analysis to determine the association between psychosocial support and maternal well-being. The F-statistic (ANOVA estimates) was employed to test the hypotheses formulated. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between the types of psychosocial support received and maternal well-being. Additionally, it was found that postnatal mothers who received adequate psychosocial support were more likely to engage in positive infant care practices compared to those with limited support. Moreover, socioeconomic factors such as income and education level were identified to influence the accessibility of psychosocial support services for postnatal mothers in Amahor Community. In conclusion, the study underscored the importance of psychosocial support in promoting maternal well-being and infant care practices. It highlighted the need for healthcare providers and policymakers to prioritize the provision of comprehensive psychosocial support services tailored to the needs of postnatal mothers. Recommendations include the implementation of targeted interventions to address barriers to access, the integration of psychosocial support into routine maternal healthcare services, and the provision of education and awareness programs to enhance the understanding of the benefits of psychosocial support among stakeholders.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Childbirth is a significant event in the life of a woman, marking the transition to motherhood. This period is characterized by physical, emotional, and psychological changes that can impact both the mother and her newborn. The provision of psychosocial support during labor and after delivery has gained increasing recognition as an essential component of maternal healthcare (Shorey et al., 2018). Psychosocial support encompasses emotional, social, and informational assistance provided to women during the perinatal period to promote their well-being and adjustment to motherhood.

In Amahor Community, Edo State, Nigeria, the availability and quality of psychosocial support services for postnatal mothers vary significantly. Factors such as cultural beliefs, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare facilities influence the type and adequacy of support received by women during this critical phase. Understanding the perceived impact of psychosocial support among postnatal mothers in Amahor Community is crucial for improving maternal healthcare services and enhancing maternal and child well-being (Mohammadpour et al., 2021).

Research conducted in various settings has highlighted the importance of psychosocial support in facilitating maternal adjustment and promoting maternal and child health outcomes. For instance, a randomized controlled trial conducted by Shorey et al. (2023) demonstrated the effectiveness of a postnatal psychoeducation program in enhancing self-efficacy, social support, and reducing postnatal depression among primiparas. Similarly, Ngai and Chan (2023) found that learned resourcefulness and social support were significant predictors of perinatal depression in Chinese mothers. These findings underscore the value of psychosocial interventions in addressing the emotional and psychological needs of postnatal women.

Despite the growing recognition of the importance of psychosocial support, disparities in access and utilization persist, particularly in underserved communities like Amahor. Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and cultural barriers may hinder the delivery of comprehensive psychosocial services to postnatal mothers (Pourkhaleghi et al., 2020). Therefore, interventions aimed at improving the availability and accessibility of psychosocial support in Amahor Community are essential for bridging existing gaps in maternal healthcare provision.

Efforts to enhance psychosocial support for postnatal mothers in Amahor Community should be multifaceted and culturally sensitive. Interventions may include the integration of psychosocial components into existing maternal healthcare programs, the training of healthcare providers in psychosocial counseling techniques, and the establishment of community-based support networks (Shorey et al., 2022). Moreover, collaboration with local stakeholders, including traditional birth attendants and community leaders, is crucial for garnering support and fostering sustainable change.

In essence, childbirth represents a profound and transformative experience for women, with significant implications for maternal and child well-being. The provision of psychosocial support during the perinatal period plays a vital role in promoting maternal adjustment and facilitating positive maternal and child health outcomes. In Amahor Community, efforts to improve the availability and quality of psychosocial support services are essential for addressing the diverse needs of postnatal mothers and promoting optimal maternal and child health. By prioritizing psychosocial support interventions and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, it is possible to enhance maternal healthcare delivery and contribute to the overall well-being of women and children in Amahor Community and similar settings.

1.2 Statement of Problem

The provision of psychosocial support during the perinatal period is essential for promoting maternal well-being and facilitating positive maternal and child health outcomes (Shorey et al., 2018). However, in Amahor Community, Edo State, Nigeria, significant gaps exist in the availability and quality of psychosocial support services for postnatal mothers (Ohoka et al., 2023). These gaps are influenced by various factors, including cultural beliefs, socioeconomic disparities, and limited access to healthcare facilities (MoghaddamTabrizi&Nournezhad, 2019).

One of the primary gaps in the provision of psychosocial support in Amahor Community is the lack of culturally sensitive and tailored interventions (Teti & Gelfand, 2022). Many existing support services may not adequately address the unique cultural needs and preferences of postnatal mothers in the community, leading to underutilization or ineffective support. Additionally, there is limited research exploring the perceived impact of psychosocial support among postnatal mothers in Amahor Community, hindering efforts to develop targeted interventions that address their specific needs (Mazaheri&Bahramian, 2020).

Another significant gap is the limited integration of psychosocial components into existing maternal healthcare programs and services (Law et al., 2021). While some healthcare facilities may offer basic psychosocial support, these services are often fragmented and inconsistent, failing to provide comprehensive assistance to postnatal mothers. Moreover, there is a lack of standardized training and guidelines for healthcare providers regarding psychosocial counseling techniques, resulting in variable quality and effectiveness of support services (Serçekuş& Mete, 2022).

Furthermore, socioeconomic disparities and access barriers contribute to inequitable access to psychosocial support services among postnatal mothers in Amahor Community (Deave et al., 2022). Women from low-income households or rural areas may face greater challenges in accessing healthcare facilities and support services, exacerbating existing disparities in maternal and child health outcomes (Barnard, 2022).

Addressing these gaps in the provision of psychosocial support is crucial for improving maternal healthcare delivery and enhancing maternal and child well-being in Amahor Community. By identifying and filling these gaps, policymakers, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders can work together to develop holistic and culturally appropriate interventions that meet the diverse needs of postnatal mothers and promote optimal maternal and child health outcomes (Saeedi&Ashoori, 2020).

1.3 Objectives of the Study

This study aimed to investigate the perceived impact of psychosocial support during labour and the postpartum period among postnatal mothers in lily hospital Amahor Community, Edo State. The specific objectives were:

1. To assess the types of psychosocial support received by postnatal mothers during labor and after delivery in Amahor Community.

2. To examine the perceived benefits of psychosocial support on maternal well-being and infant care practices among postnatal mothers.

3. To explore the barriers and challenges faced by postnatal mothers in accessing adequate psychosocial support services in Amahor Community.

1.4 Research Questions

To achieve the stated objectives, this study addressed the following research questions:

1. What are the common types of psychosocial support received by postnatal mothers during labor and after delivery in Amahor Community?

2. How do postnatal mothers perceive the impact of psychosocial support on their well-being and infant care practices?

3. What are the main barriers and challenges encountered by postnatal mothers in accessing adequate psychosocial support services in Amahor Community?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Based on the research questions, the following hypotheses were formulated:

1. There is no significant association between the types of psychosocial support received and maternal well-being among postnatal mothers in Amahor Community.

2. Postnatal mothers who receive adequate psychosocial support are not more likely to engage in positive infant care practices compared to those with limited support.

3. Socioeconomic factors such as income and education level do not influence the accessibility of psychosocial support services for postnatal mothers in Amahor Community.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This research study aims to enrich the current understanding of the perceived influence of psychosocial support on postnatal mothers within the distinct setting of Amahor Community, situated in Edo State. Through this investigation, we anticipate providing valuable insights to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders regarding the significance of bolstering psychosocial support mechanisms for mothers during the critical perinatal phase. By delving into the identified deficiencies and obstacles, we seek to lay the groundwork for the development of targeted interventions aimed at elevating maternal health results and fostering the overall welfare of both mothers and their infants.

The study's focal point on Amahor Community, Edo State, presents a unique opportunity to tailor interventions to the specific needs and circumstances prevalent within this localized context. By concentrating on this particular community, we endeavor to provide contextually relevant findings that resonate with the lived experiences and cultural nuances of the mothers residing in Amahor. This localized approach enables a deeper understanding of the intricacies surrounding psychosocial support provision and its perceived impact, facilitating the formulation of more effective and sustainable solutions.

The anticipated outcomes of this study hold significant implications for various stakeholders involved in maternal healthcare delivery. Healthcare providers stand to benefit from a nuanced understanding of the nuanced challenges faced by postnatal mothers in Amahor Community, thereby enabling them to refine their support services to better meet these needs (Shorey et al., 2018). Policymakers can utilize the insights garnered from this research to advocate for the allocation of resources and the implementation of policies aimed at strengthening psychosocial support infrastructure within the community. Additionally, community stakeholders, including local leaders and organizations, can leverage the findings to spearhead grassroots initiatives that address the identified gaps and foster a supportive environment for postnatal mothers.

Through the identification and resolution of existing gaps and challenges in psychosocial support provision, this study endeavors to catalyze positive changes in maternal health outcomes within Amahor Community. By developing targeted interventions informed by empirical evidence, we aim to empower mothers to navigate the perinatal period with greater resilience and confidence. Ultimately, the envisioned impact extends beyond individual mothers to encompass the broader community, contributing to the cultivation of a nurturing environment conducive to the holistic well-being of both mothers and infants.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focused on postnatal mothers residing in Amahor Community, Edo State, Nigeria. The research investigated the types of psychosocial support received during labor and after delivery, perceived benefits, and barriers to accessing support services. While the study provided insights into the broader issue of maternal healthcare, it did not encompass other aspects such as prenatal care or postpartum depression. Additionally, the study did not explore the perspectives of healthcare providers or other stakeholders involved in maternal care delivery.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

To ensure clarity and consistency, the following terms were operationally defined for the purpose of this study:

Psychosocial Support: Emotional, social, and informational assistance provided to women during labor and after delivery to promote their well-being and adjustment to motherhood.

Postnatal Mothers: Women who have recently given birth and are in the early postpartum period, typically within the first six weeks after delivery.

Perceived Impact: Subjective evaluation or interpretation of the effects or outcomes of psychosocial support as perceived by postnatal mothers.

Infant Care Practices: Behaviors and activities related to the care, feeding, hygiene, and nurturing of newborns and infants.

Barriers: Obstacles or challenges that impede access to psychosocial support services for postnatal mothers in Amahor Community.

Well-being: The overall state of physical, emotional, and social health and satisfaction experienced by postnatal mothers.

Policymakers: Individuals or groups responsible for formulating and implementing policies related to maternal and child health at the community, regional, or national level.

Community Stakeholders: Individuals, organizations, or groups within the Amahor Community who have a vested interest or role in supporting maternal health initiatives and programs.