The relationship between perceived social support, self-esteem, and postpartum depression among Saudi women: A correlational cross-sectional study

Background: Postpartum depression is a significant mental health concern affecting many women globally, with potential adverse effects on both maternal and infant well-being. Social support and self-esteem are crucial factors influencing postpartum depression, yet their relationships in the context of Saudi Arabia remain underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationships between social support, self-esteem, and postpartum depression among women who have recently given birth in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used, with convenience sampling targeting women who gave birth within the past six months. Data were collected between January and February 2023 via an online self-administered questionnaire, which included sociodemographic information and three standardized scales: The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSS), and The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Results: The mean score for postpartum depression was 14.81, with a standard deviation of 6.30, indicating a moderate level of depression symptoms. Significant negative correlations were found between social support and postpartum depression (r = -0.54, p = 0.001) and between self-esteem and postpartum depression (r = -0.63, p = 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between social support and self-esteem (r = 0.53, p = 0.001), highlighting the protective roles of these factors. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of improving social support and self-esteem to reduce postpartum depression risk among new mothers. Midwives and healthcare providers should focus on creating supportive environments and strategies that foster both social support and self-esteem. Such approaches will not only improve maternal mental health outcomes but also contribute to a more sustainable and holistic healthcare system by addressing the root factors influencing postpartum well-being.