Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between perceived social support and postpartum anxiety in puerperants.

Methods: The sample of this correlational study consisted of 222 puerperants. Study data were collected through an online survey between January 2021- April 2022. Personal Information Form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale were used in data collection.

Results: It was determined that the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support mean score of the women was 62.1±16.18 and the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale mean score was 112.17±4.82. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support score was higher in those with a university education level and above, in women who get support in the care of themselves and their baby after birth, and in women who received information from health personnel about the care of themselves and their baby (p< 0.05). It was determined that there was a positive weak statistically significant relationship between the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale total score in women (r= 0.236, p= 0.001).

Conclusion: It was determined that the level of anxiety increased as the perceived social support of women increased.