Personality Traits, Social Support and Perinatal Depression Among Women Attending Tertiary Health Institutions in Makurdi, Nigeria

Vollständiger Abstract

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Perinatal depression is a significant public health concern affecting women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This study examined personality traits, social support, and perinatal depression among women attending tertiary health institutions in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted involving 396 perinatal women, 254 prenatal and 142 postpartum attending antenatal clinics and immunization units in selected health institutions (Federal Medical Center Makurdi and the Benue state University teaching hospital). Standardized instruments including the Big Five Inventory (BFI-2-XS), Maternity Social Support Scale (MSSS), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression. Findings showed that there is a significant relationship between personality traits and perinatal depression, a significant influence of social support on perinatal depression was also found, also a joint influence of personality traits and social support on perinatal depression was also found. The study highlights the need for routine screening and targeted psychosocial interventions in tertiary health institutions to improve maternal mental health outcomes.