Determination of Support Needs and Support Levels Among Postpartum Women

Objectives: A social support system is a strong resource for the resolution, prevention and treatment of sociological and psychological problems of an individual and for coping with difficult situations. The purpose of this study was to determine the support needs and support levels among postpartum women. Methods: In this descriptive study, a total of 167 postpartum women, who experienced no postpartum complications and accepted to participate in the study, were included. The Postpartum Support Questionnaire and face-to-face interview technique were used to collect the data of the study. The data were assessed using the SPSS 18.0 software program. Results: While the total mean score on the Postpartum Support Questionnaire was 148.61 +/- 48.6 in importance of need, the mean score of the support received was 119.21 +/- 49.73. Evaluating the received mean scores, it was determined that women expressed significant needs but the support received for these needs was inadequate. Increased maternal age, low educational level (of the woman and her spouse), lack of information regarding the postpartum period, and failure to receive support in infant care decreased the perception of received support. Conclusion: These results show that women do not receive sufficient support in the postpartum period. Providing social support during the postpartum period is significant in sustaining maternal, infant and family health. Thus, it is important for healthcare personnel to support the psychosocial care of women during the postpartum period, and further, to identify and provide support for those postpartum women who are not receiving adequate support.