Relationship Between the Provider’s Mental Health Literacy and Maternal Postpartum Depression in Community Health Setting

The transition to motherhood is often accompanied by profound emotional and psychological changes that can affect a woman's overall well-being. Although postpartum depression and anxiety are recognized as major maternal health concerns, their prevention and early identification remain challenging in many community healthcare settings. This study explored how mothers' perceptions of healthcare providers' mental health literacy, social support, and healthcare access relate to postpartum mental health outcomes. It also examined whether perceived social support serves as a pathway through which provider mental health literacy influences maternal mental health.
A descriptive-correlational design was employed among postpartum mothers and healthcare providers from selected barangay health centers in General Trias City, Cavite, Philippines. Data were gathered using validated instruments assessing postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, perceived social support, healthcare access and utilization, and mental health literacy. Statistical analyses included descriptive measures, correlation tests, and mediation analysis.
The findings showed that participating mothers generally reported low levels of postpartum depression and anxiety, while perceiving high levels of social support, healthcare access, and provider mental health literacy. Healthcare providers likewise demonstrated strong mental health literacy despite limited formal training in maternal mental health. Mothers who reported greater social support tended to experience lower levels of postpartum anxiety. In addition, higher perceived provider mental health literacy was associated with stronger perceptions of social support. Mediation analysis further indicated that perceived social support significantly explained the relationship between provider mental health literacy and postpartum anxiety. However, a similar mediating effect was not observed for postpartum depression.
These findings suggest that healthcare providers may contribute to better maternal mental health not only through clinical care but also by fostering supportive relationships that help mothers feel understood, connected, and supported. Strengthening mental health literacy among frontline healthcare providers and integrating mental health support into routine maternal services may enhance the quality of postpartum care and promote positive mental health outcomes in community settings.

postpartum mental health, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression

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