Effectiveness of a Self-Instructional Module on Knowledge of Maternal Postpartum Depression among Husbands of Antenatal Mothers in Selected Hospitals of Thrissur District

Maternal postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent but often underdiagnosed mental health issue that can adversely affect mothers, infants, and family dynamics. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a self-instructional module (SIM) in enhancing the knowledge of husbands of antenatal mothers regarding maternal PPD in selected hospitals of Thrissur district, Kerala. The objectives of the study included assessing the existing knowledge of participants, evaluating the effectiveness of the SIM, and identifying any association between pre-test knowledge and selected demographic variables. A quasiexperimental one-group pre-test post-test design was employed. Sixty husbands of antenatal mothers were selected using nonprobability purposive sampling from antenatal out patient departments. A structured knowledge questionnaire was administered before and after the SIM intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed a significant improvement in post-test knowledge scores (t = [insert value], p < 0.001), indicating that the SIM was effective in increasing awareness of maternal PPD. No significant association was found between pre-test knowledge levels and demographic variables. The study concludes that self-instructional modules are an effective, low-cost educational tool to improve husbands’ knowledge of maternal mental health. Integration of such targeted interventions into antenatal care is recommended to promote early recognition and support for postpartum depression.