Information Sources in Maternal Mental Health: A SmartPLS-SEM Analysis of Postpartum Depression Awareness and Help-Seeking Behaviour

Research Hypothesis and Findings
The study hypothesized that postpartum depression (PPD) awareness, shaped by credible information sources, positively influences help-seeking behaviour, with subjective norms (social pressure) and perceived behavioural control (self-efficacy) acting as mediators. This hypothesis was grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).
Data Collection and Methodology
A cross-sectional survey of 382 postpartum women in Niger State, Nigeria, was conducted using Kobo Toolbox for data collection. SmartPLS-SEM analysed the relationships between information sources (interpersonal, electronic, print media), PPD awareness, and help-seeking behaviour.
Key Findings
1. Interpersonal sources (e.g., healthcare providers, family) had the strongest impact on PPD awareness (β = 0.551) and help-seeking behavior (β = 0.525).
2. Electronic media (e.g., social media, radio) also significantly influenced awareness (β = 0.444) and behavior (β = 0.394).
3. Print media showed minimal, statistically insignificant effects.
4. Mediation effects: Subjective norms and perceived control partially mediated the link between awareness and help-seeking, supporting TPB’s applicability in this context.
Interpretation
The findings highlight the critical role of interpersonal and digital communication in PPD education, particularly in low-resource settings. Culturally sensitive interventions leveraging these channels could improve awareness and reduce stigma. Print media, while less impactful, may still serve niche audiences.
Implications
Policymakers and health communicators should prioritize community-based and digital strategies to disseminate accurate PPD information, addressing cultural barriers and enhancing women’s agency in seeking care.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design limits causal inferences. Future research could explore longitudinal or regional comparisons to refine intervention strategies. The study underscores the need for tailored, multi-channel communication to bridge gaps in maternal mental health literacy and care access.