The Relationship Between Postpartum Social Support, Postpartum Depression, and Quality of Lifeduring the Puerperium A Study of Primiparas

Objective This study aims to investigate the interrelationship between postpartum social support, postpartum depression, and quality of life during the puerperium, with a specific focus on primiparas. Methods A cross-sectional survey employing a descriptive correlational design was conducted for this study. A total of 328 primiparas participated in the survey, which utilized a self-developed demographic questionnaire tailored to primiparas, the Postpartum Social Support Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Brief Version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). Results The total quality of life score for primiparas on the 7th day postpartum was 56.87 ± 7.27, whereas the score at 6 weeks postpartum was 53.19 ± 7.95. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the scores across various domains and in the total scores between these two time points. The total score for postpartum depression exhibited a negative correlation with postpartum social support and quality of life across all domains (P < 0.05). In contrast, the scores for postpartum social support across various dimensions demonstrated a positive correlation with quality of life scores in all domains during the puerperium (P < 0.05). Conclusion Postpartum social support and postpartum depression are critical determinants of postpartum quality of life. Enhancing social support systems in postpartum care can mitigate the risk of postpartum depression and promote quality of life during the puerperium.