Improving postnatal social support using antenatal group-based psychoeducation: a cluster randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Psychosocial Support
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Inadequate social support is a primary driver of postnatal depression.
• Targeted interventions are crucial for enhancing maternal psychosocial well-being.
• Antenatal interventions can potentially mitigate risks of postpartum mental health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of antenatal group-based psychoeducation on postnatal social support.
• To determine if psychoeducation delivered during pregnancy improves a mother's support system after childbirth.
• To provide evidence for integrating psychoeducational programs into routine prenatal care.

Main Methods:

• A cluster randomized controlled trial involving 550 pregnant women across 32 health centers.
• Intervention group received standard care plus group psychoeducation; control group received standard care only.
• Social support assessed using a functional social support questionnaire at 12-20 weeks gestation and 6 weeks postpartum.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significantly higher total postnatal social support compared to the control group (66.4% vs. 33.3%).
• Mothers receiving antenatal psychoeducation were 2.04 times more likely to have postnatal social support.
• Adjusted analysis indicated the intervention increased total social support by a factor of 3.61 (AOR=3.61).

Conclusions:

• Antenatal group-based psychoeducation is effective in significantly improving postnatal social support.
• This intervention demonstrates a positive impact on maternal psychosocial well-being post-delivery.
• The findings support the widespread implementation of this psychoeducational approach in maternal healthcare services.