Information Sources in Maternal Mental Health: A SmartPLS-SEM Analysis of Postpartum Depression Awareness and Help-Seeking Behaviour
Description
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.
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Steps to reproduce
Steps to Reproduce the Study This study adopted a cross-sectional survey approach to examine how information sources influence postpartum depression (PPD) awareness and help-seeking behaviour among women of childbearing age in Niger State, Nigeria. To replicate the study, researchers should follow the procedures outlined below. Study Design and Population Target a population of women aged 18-49 in a low-resource setting where maternal mental health services are limited. In the original study, two Local Government Areas: Bosso and Chanchaga were selected due to their diverse urban-rural composition and high fertility rates. Sampling Procedure Use a multistage sampling strategy. First, randomly select one senatorial zone. Then, randomly choose two LGAs, followed by stratified random sampling at the ward and street levels. Households should be systematically selected, and eligible respondents identified based on the inclusion criteria. The sample size was calculated using Krejcie and Morgan’s table, yielding 384; 382 responses were ultimately analysed. Instrument Development Design a structured questionnaire reflecting the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Key sections should cover demographics, access to interpersonal, electronic, and print information sources, PPD knowledge, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and help-seeking behaviour. Adapt the tool to reflect local language and context, and pretest before full deployment. Data Collection Tools Digital data collection was conducted using Kobo Toolbox, a mobile-based platform ideal for resource-limited environments. Enumerators were trained to use smartphones or tablets for field interviews, ensuring data integrity and real-time uploading. Data Analysis and Software Data were analysed using SmartPLS 4.0, applying Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Initial descriptive analysis was done in Excel and SPSS. The theoretical model was tested through path analysis to evaluate relationships between constructs. Validation Checks Confirm the reliability and validity of constructs using Cronbach’s Alpha, Composite Reliability, and Average Variance Extracted (AVE). Discriminant validity should be assessed using the Fornell-Larcker criterion. Use bootstrapping (5,000 samples) for significance testing and calculate VIF to rule out multicollinearity. Predictive power can be evaluated via Q² statistics. Ethical Approval Obtain ethics clearance from the Covenant University Health Research Committee, the researcher can obtain ethical clearance from a verified source. Participants must provide informed consent, and confidentiality must be respected throughout.
Institutions
- Covenant University