ASSESSMENT OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS’ PERCEPTION OF INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOR ON POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION (PPD) AMONG NURSING MOTHERS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a critical mental health issue affecting many nursing mothers, particularly in developing nations where awareness and services about mental health are limited. This study assesses the perception of medical practitioners regarding the information-seeking behavior of nursing mothers experiencing PPD in Southwest Nigeria using a qualitative approach and Key Informant Interviews (KII). One medical practitioner per state was selected among those working in primary healthcare in Ondo, Osun and Oyo. Findings revealed that most medical practitioners perceive a generally low level of proactive information-seeking among nursing mothers with PPD, which is often influenced by sociocultural stigma, lack of awareness, poor mental health literacy and inadequate access to credible information sources. Practitioners also noted that while some mothers relied on informal sources such as family, religious leaders, or social media, these channels often provided insufficient or misleading information. This study highlights the urgent need for targeted mental health education, improved communication strategies in maternal care, and the integration of culturally sensitive interventions to enhance early detection and treatment of PPD. The study concludes with recommendations for policy implementation, capacity building, and public health campaigns to empower mothers to seek appropriate information and professional support for postpartum mental health issues.