EFEKTIVITAS INTERVENSI DUKUNGAN SOSIAL SEBAGAI UPAYA PENCEGAHAN POSTPARTUM BLUES PADA IBU NIFAS DI WILAYAH KERJA

Abstract

Background: The postpartum period is a vulnerable time for psychological disorders, including postpartum blues, baby blues, and postpartum depression. Mood swings in the postpartum period are more common in the first month to one year after delivery. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and drastic childbirth are not the main factors causing these events. Postpartum blues are often caused by fatigue after giving birth, and the perceived lack of support from husbands, family, and other social support is a significant factor in the occurrence of these mood disorders. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of social support interventions as an effort to prevent postpartum blues in postpartum mothers. Methods: The study used a pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach. The population in this study was 85 postpartum mothers in the Karanggeneng Lamongan Community Health Center working area during June-July. The intervention was provided using a psychoeducational approach involving families, especially husbands, through direct communication, emotional support, brief counseling, and education on postpartum care for one week. The final measurement was carried out to determine the postpartum blues score using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Results:. There was a significant difference between postpartum blues scores before and after social support intervention. This was demonstrated by the results (Z = −7.322; p < 0.001), with an average decrease from 10.10 ± 1.86 to 7.13 ± 1.43. These results confirm that social support intervention is effective in reducing postpartum blues levels in postpartum mothers. Conclusion: This research has practical benefits, particularly for midwives in the field, to integrate interventions or preventative measures by involving families in services from pregnancy through postpartum through a family-centered care approach. Improved therapeutic communication is also needed to strengthen the effectiveness of emotional support for mothers during the postpartum period.