Effects of Maternal Self-Efficacy and Social Support in the Development of Postpartum Depression among Primiparous Mothers in Jordan: a Cross-Sectional Study.

This article investigates the influence of maternal self-efficacy and social support on postpartum depression (PPD) among Jordanian primiparous mothers. In a cross-sectional study of 250 first-time mothers 6 to 8 weeks postpartum, 47.2% exhibited probable PPD based on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Key predictors of higher PPD symptoms included older maternal age and employment, while higher family income, greater perceived maternal self-efficacy (measured by the Perceived Maternal Parental Self-Efficacy Scale), and stronger functional social support (assessed via the Perinatal Infant Care Social Support Scale) were associated with reduced PPD risk. The study emphasizes the need for culturally tailored interventions and early screening by healthcare professionals, particularly nurses and midwives, to enhance maternal self-efficacy and functional social support in preventing PPD among first-time mothers in Jordan.