The Impact of Nursing Education on the Prevention of Postnatal Depression

Session

Medicine and Nursing

Description

Postnatal depression represents one of the most common mental health problems among women after childbirth, affecting the emotional well-being of the mother, infant, and family as a whole. The nurse’s role is essential in the early identification of symptoms and in providing health education as a preventive strategy. Nursing education helps mothers understand psychological changes after birth, recognize early signs of depression, and seek timely professional help. Aim:To evaluate the impact of nursing education on the prevention of postnatal depression and on increasing mothers’ awareness of its symptoms. Methodology:This study was designed as a quantitative interventional study (pre–post education). A total of 100 postpartum women participated in the research, conducted between January and September 2025 at the Clinic of Gynecology and the obstetric department, as well as in primary health care centers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of three sections: Demographic data, Assessment of knowledge about postnatal depression, and The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), administered before and after the educational intervention. The data were analyzed using statistical methods to compare results before and after education, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results:After the nursing educational intervention, there was a significant increase in mothers’ knowledge about the symptoms of postnatal depression (p < 0.001). The mean EPDS score decreased from 13.2 to 7.5, indicating a notable reduction in depressive symptoms. Moreover, 82% of participants reported feeling more informed and more capable of seeking professional help when needed. Discussion:The findings demonstrate that nursing education has a clear and positive impact on improving mental health among postpartum women. Through empathetic communication and structured education, nurses contribute to reducing emotional distress, enhancing awareness, and strengthening mothers’ coping capacities. Educational programs delivered by nurses are valuable instruments in the prevention of postnatal depression and in improving the overall quality of postpartum care. Conclusions:Nursing education is an effective, simple, and low-cost strategy for the prevention of postnatal depression. Integrating educational sessions into routine postpartum care should be considered a standard practice within obstetric and community health services. Such preventive approaches can significantly enhance women’s mental health and overall well-being after childbirth.

Keywords:

Nursing education; Postnatal depression; Mental health; Postpartum women; Preventive care; Nurse’s role; Health education

ISBN

978-9951-982-41-2

Location

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Start Date

25-10-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

26-10-2025 6:00 PM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.368

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Oct 25th, 9:00 AM Oct 26th, 6:00 PM

The Impact of Nursing Education on the Prevention of Postnatal Depression

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Postnatal depression represents one of the most common mental health problems among women after childbirth, affecting the emotional well-being of the mother, infant, and family as a whole. The nurse’s role is essential in the early identification of symptoms and in providing health education as a preventive strategy. Nursing education helps mothers understand psychological changes after birth, recognize early signs of depression, and seek timely professional help. Aim:To evaluate the impact of nursing education on the prevention of postnatal depression and on increasing mothers’ awareness of its symptoms. Methodology:This study was designed as a quantitative interventional study (pre–post education). A total of 100 postpartum women participated in the research, conducted between January and September 2025 at the Clinic of Gynecology and the obstetric department, as well as in primary health care centers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of three sections: Demographic data, Assessment of knowledge about postnatal depression, and The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), administered before and after the educational intervention. The data were analyzed using statistical methods to compare results before and after education, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results:After the nursing educational intervention, there was a significant increase in mothers’ knowledge about the symptoms of postnatal depression (p < 0.001). The mean EPDS score decreased from 13.2 to 7.5, indicating a notable reduction in depressive symptoms. Moreover, 82% of participants reported feeling more informed and more capable of seeking professional help when needed. Discussion:The findings demonstrate that nursing education has a clear and positive impact on improving mental health among postpartum women. Through empathetic communication and structured education, nurses contribute to reducing emotional distress, enhancing awareness, and strengthening mothers’ coping capacities. Educational programs delivered by nurses are valuable instruments in the prevention of postnatal depression and in improving the overall quality of postpartum care. Conclusions:Nursing education is an effective, simple, and low-cost strategy for the prevention of postnatal depression. Integrating educational sessions into routine postpartum care should be considered a standard practice within obstetric and community health services. Such preventive approaches can significantly enhance women’s mental health and overall well-being after childbirth.