Journal of Psychiatric Insight Review

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health problem in mothers after childbirth and can impact the quality of life of mothers, babies, and families. Husband support is seen as a protective factor that can reduce the risk of PPD. This study is a qualitative descriptive literature study that reviewed 11 scientific journals related to the relationship between husband support and postpartum depression. Literature searches were conducted through Google Scholar databases, PubMed, and national journal portals with the keywords “husband support” and “postpartum depression”. The selected articles met the inclusion criteria: published within the last 5 years (2018–2023), postpartum mother-based, and peer-reviewed. Data were analyzed the matically to identify the relationship between husband support and the incidence of PPD. The results of the analysis showed that husband support had a significant influence on the reduction of the risk of postpartum depression. This support includes emotional, instrumental, and informational aspects. Mothers who receive consistent support from their husbands have a lower chance of experiencing PPD than mothers who receive less support. Several factors such as breastfeeding problems, domestic violence, age, and parity can modify the effects of husband support. These findings confirm the importance of the involvement of husbands during childbirth and postpartum to maintain maternal mental health. Optimal husband support can be an effective protective intervention in preventing PPD. Husband support plays an important role in lowering the risk of postpartum depression. It is recommended that family-based education and intervention programs be developed to involve husbands in every phase of postpartum maternal care.