Social constraints and postpartum depression in Malaysian Women: The moderating role of emotional support

Despite the fact that childbirth may possess a traumatic experience for mothers, it is unclear if social constraints predict postpartum depression (PPD). This cross-sectional study used a paper-and-pen questionnaire and an online questionnaire to collect data at four public hospitals across Malaysia from postpartum mothers. Hierarchical linear regression and PROCESS Macro analyses were performed. Data from 311 postpartum mothers were analyzed. Social constraint positively predicted PPD, <i>p</i> < .001. Among various covariates, only education attainment was significantly associated with PPD, with primary education level or below positively predicted PPD, <i>p</i> = .009, and postgraduate education level negatively predicted PPD, <i>p</i> = .040. No statistically significant moderating effects of emotional support or ethnicity were found. The impact of social constraints on psychological distress pertains to postpartum mothers. These results highlighted the importance of recognizing the potential influences of social constraints on maternal mental health, especially for healthcare professionals. Psychological health prevention programs specifically catering to Malaysian mothers should be developed and widely implemented to educate mothers on ways to overcome help-seeking barriers.