The effect of peers support on postpartum depression: a single-blind randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

Postpartum depression and its consequences not only involve mothers and their children but it will also affect their families. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of mothers receiving peer support on postpartum depression. 100 eligible primiparous women participated in a randomized clinical trial. The intervention group received phone calls by their peers from the last three months of pregnancy until two months after delivery. The control group only had access to routine care. Both groups in the second month after delivery were checked regarding depression using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Data analysis was performed using independent t-test, chi-square test and covariance analysis. Mean depression score before intervention was 13.92 (3.23) in the control group and 14.06 (3.12) in the intervention group. In week 8 after delivery, mean score of depression in control group was 13.29 (4.08) but in the intervention group it was reduced to 10.25 (4.18). Difference in the reduction of mean postpartum depression score between the two groups showed statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). This study showed that peer support was effective in the prevention of postpartum depression, therefore, it is recommended to be used in the reduction of postpartum depression.