Examining the Associations between Social Support and Postpartum Depression Symptoms among Adolescent Mothers in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

This study aimed to measure the prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms and explore the association between different forms of social support and postpartum depressive symptoms. In this study, one-quarter of adolescent mothers experienced postpartum depressive symptoms. In multivariable analyses, parental support for girls' education and having a good female friend to confide in were associated with a decreased risk of experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms. Further, parental support and support from the child's father during pregnancy were marginally associated with a decreased likelihood of experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms.