Socio-Demographic Determinants of Maternal Confidence and Postnatal Depression among Postpartum Primiparous Mothers: A Descriptive Study from Western India
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Abstract
Background: Maternal confidence is a critical component of effective newborn care and maternal psychological well-being during the postpartum period. Primiparous mothers are particularly vulnerable to reduced confidence and postnatal depression due to limited prior caregiving experience and psychosocial stressors.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 postpartum primiparous mothers admitted to postnatal wards of a tertiary care hospital in Gujarat, India, between December 2023 and September 2024. Data were collected using a structured socio-demographic questionnaire, the Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale (KPCS), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form (BSES-SF). Inferential statistics including ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests were applied.
Results: Maternal confidence differed significantly across income categories (p = 0.001). Postnatal depression showed statistically significant associations with family type (p = 0.039) and maternal occupation (p = 0.026). Mothers from lower-income groups, nuclear or single-parent families, and physically demanding occupations demonstrated poorer psychological outcomes.
Conclusion: Socio-economic and family-related factors significantly influence maternal confidence and postnatal depression among primiparous mothers. Integrating targeted psychosocial support and structured postpartum education into routine nursing care may enhance maternal adaptation and mental well-being..