A structural equation modelling of the buffering effect of social support on the report of common mental disorders in Zimbabwean women in the postnatal period.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Globally, 13-20% of women experience a common mental disorder (CMD) postnatally. Unfortunately, the burden of CMDs is disproportionally substantial in women from low-income countries. Nevertheless, there is a growing recognition of the buffering effect of social support (SS) on psychiatric morbidity and the need for mental well-being support services/interventions. This study evaluated the relationship between psychiatric morbidity and SS levels, and factors influencing the mental health functioning of Zimbabwean women postnatally. Data were collected from 340 mothers and were analysed through structural equation modelling.

Results

The mothers' mean age was 26.6 (SD 5.6) years. The mean Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support score was 42.7 (SD 10.8), de

SUBMITTER: Kaseke T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6394011 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature