Role of Husbands in Mitigating Postpartum Depression: Emotional Support Practices in Damaturu - Nigeria

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major maternal mental health challenge that undermines women’s wellbeing and family stability. Husbands’ involvement, particularly through emotional support, has been identified as a critical protective factor. This study examined husbands’ roles in mitigating postpartum depression in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State, focusing on awareness, emotional support practices, their effects, and barriers to effective involvement. Guided by the Emotional Support Reciprocity Theory (ESRT), which emphasizes the role of reciprocal emotional and social networks in enhancing mental health, a mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitatively, a structured questionnaire was administered to 150 respondents proportionately selected from five wards (Bindigari/Pawari, Nayi Nawa, Njiwaji/Gwange, Mai-Sandari, and Damaturu Central) out of a combined population of 60,654. Qualitatively, five Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with three married women, one medical doctor, and one nurse. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (frequency counts, percentages, chi-square tests, correlation, and logistic regression), while qualitative responses were thematically analyzed and complemented with quotations. Results showed that most husbands were moderately aware of PPD and recognized its effects on mothers and families. Emotional support practices—such as listening, encouragement, quality time, and reassurance—were commonly employed and significantly associated with improved maternal coping and reduced depressive symptoms. However, barriers including cultural norms discouraging male emotional expression, poor communication, financial pressures, and stigma constrained husbands’ effectiveness. Inferential analysis confirmed that husbands’ awareness and emotional support practices were statistically significant predictors of maternal wellbeing at α = 0.05. The study concludes that husbands play a vital role in mitigating postpartum depression, but systemic and cultural barriers disrupt reciprocity and limit impact. It recommends awareness campaigns, husband-focused training, cultural reorientation, workplace and policy reforms, and the integration of men into maternal health services to strengthen family-centered approaches to postpartum care.

Postpartum depression; Husbands’ involvement; Emotional support practices; Emotional Support Reciprocity Theory; Maternal mental health; Cultural barriers

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