DATASET ON INFORMATION SOURCES AND POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION EXPERIENCES AMONG WOMEN IN NIGER AND YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a critical public health issue in Northern Nigeria, where high fertility rates and cultural stigma limit help-seeking. This study investigates the relationship between information sources and PPD knowledge among women in Niger and Yobe States, Nigeria. Using a mixed methods approach, we surveyed 519 women and conducted focus group discussions. Data were analysed via SmartPLS Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Survey findings indicates that information from Medical Personnel (β = 0.688, p < 0.001), Family and Friends (β = 0.617, p < 0.001), Radio (β = 0.331, p < 0.001), Religious Leaders (β = 0.310, p < 0.001), Social Media (β = 0.217, p < 0.001), and Websites (β = 0.227, p < 0.001) significantly enhanced PPD knowledge. In contrast, sources like Television, Newspapers, and Indigenous Media showed no significant impact. Qualitatively, women heavily rely on family and community networks, though these often propagate cultural misconceptions, while formal healthcare communication remains inconsistent. The study concludes that a multipronged communication strategy, integrating credible clinical sources with culturally resonant channels like radio and religious leaders, is essential for improving PPD awareness and dismantling stigma in this context.