An Assessment of Impact of Psycho-social Support on Emotional Wellbeing of Postnatal Mothers in Ovia North Local Government of Edo State

Abstract

The postnatal period is a critical phase in a mother's life, marked by significant emotional, psychological, and physiological changes. Psychosocial support, plays a crucial role in fostering maternal well-being. The study assesses impact of psychosocial support on psychological and emotional well-being of postnatal mothers in Ovia North Local Government of Edo State, Nigeria. Adopting a quantitative survey research design, data was collected using a structured questionnaire from a sample of 220 respondents The data collected was analyzed using inferential to determine the association between psychosocial support and maternal well-being. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was employed to test the hypotheses. 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. Socioeconomic factors such as income and education level were identified to influence the accessibility of psychosocial support services for postnatal mothers in Ovia North Local Government of Edo State. 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.