Effect of Postpartum Mood Education on Maternity Blues and Postpartum Depression in Mothers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of postpartum mood education on maternity blues and postpartum depression among primiparous mothers. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 146 primiparous women were randomly assigned to intervention (education) or control groups. Data were collected using the Maternity Blues Scale (MBS) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Results: The intervention and control groups were largely comparable in sociodemographic characteristics; however, significant differences were observed in education level and employment status. No significant differences were found between groups in MBS and EPDS mean item scores (p > 0.05). However, mean scores of the MBS responsibility and socioeconomic subdimensions were lower in the education group (p < 0.05), while the Breastfeeding subdimension score was higher (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Postpartum mood education did not influence overall maternity blues at one week or postpartum depression at 6 weeks. Nevertheless, improvements in subdimensions suggest that education may reduce responsibility and socioeconomic stress while enhancing breastfeeding experiences. From a holistic nursing perspective, these findings indicate that postpartum mood education may contribute to person-centered care. Grounded in Watson's Human Caring Theory, the study highlights the potential of integrating mood education into discharge practices to advance holistic nursing practice.