Community Knowledge of Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26911/thejmch.2026.11.04.06Abstract
Background: Baby blues syndrome is a mild yet common postpartum mood disturbance, with a pooled global prevalence estimated at approximately 39% of mothers. However, it is frequently underrecognized due to limited public awareness. If left unaddressed, baby blues may progress to postpartum depression. This study aimed to evaluate changes in community knowledge following baby blues health education, with particular attention to a stigma-related knowledge composite, delivered by residents of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, Surakarta.
Subjects and Method: A quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design was used, with a paired sample of 30 respondents in Central Java recruited by consecutive sampling. Knowledge was assessed with an identical 10-item true/false questionnaire administered before and after the educational session. Because the paired score differences were not normally distributed (Shapiro–Wilk, p<0.05), the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, an appropriate non-parametric method for paired data, was used for analysis.
Results: The mean total knowledge score increased from Mean= 5.30 (SD= 2.04) at pretest to Mean= 8.40 (SD= 1.38) at posttest. Knowledge scores improved among 24 of the 30 participants (80%). The largest relative improvement was observed in the stigma-related knowledge composite (items 6 and 9), for which the proportion of correct responses increased from 48.3% at pretest to 81.7% at posttest. In addition to the improvement in knowledge scores, two reusable community-based educational outputs were developed: an illustrated leaflet and a short educational video for continued use by local health cadres.
Conclusion: Baby blues and postpartum depression education delivered by obstetrics and gynecology residents was associated with a statistically significant and educationally meaningful improvement in community knowledge, particularly in stigma-related knowledge and beliefs, and represents a feasible, low-cost, and replicable component of community-based postpartum mental health promotion.
Keywords:
postpartum depression, stigma, community knowledge, health educationHow to Cite
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