Treatment Preferences for Postpartum Depression Among New Israeli Mothers: The Contribution of Health Beliefs and Social Support

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) may have adverse outcomes for mothers, their infants, and families. Despite the negative consequences of PPD many women hesitate to seek treatment. The theoretical concepts of this study were based on the health belief model, which focuses on the individual’s attitudes, beliefs, and intentions to seek treatment. AIM: The aim of the study was to examine whether health beliefs and social support mediate the links between sociodemographic variables and treatment preferences for PPD. METHOD: Cross-sectional survey, including 1,000 Jewish mothers attending the maternal and child health clinics in Israel for their infant’s medical exam, 4 weeks to 6 months postpartum. RESULTS: Mother’s age and years of education correlated positively with preferences to receive treatment in the private sector and from professionals working in mental health clinics. The greater the number of children, the less likely new mothers were to favor these preferences. Structural equation modeling showed several mediating pathways: social support mediated the links between sociodemographic variables to health belief model components such as perceived benefits, barriers, and environmental cues. Health belief model components also mediated the links between sociodemographic factors and preferences for place of treatment, professionals, and modes of treatment for PPD. CONCLUSIONS: Health belief model components and social support are important mediating components that help explain mothers’ PPD treatment preferences. Health professionals such as psychiatric or public health nurses should increase awareness of women at risk for PPD and elicit their preferred treatment options.