Factors Influencing Mental Health of Postpartum Teenage Mothers

Abstract

Objective : To examine the factors influencing the mental health of postpartum teenage mothers.

Methods : This predictive correlational study involved 144 postpartum teenage mothers who had delivered normally at Trang Hospital. The research instruments consisted of:
1) demographic data form, 2) Thai Mental Health Indicator, 3) Social Support Questionnaire,

and 4) Maternal Role Attainment Questionnaire for adolescent mothers. The overall reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) of the instruments was 0.89, with subscale reliabilities of 0.85, 0.91, and 0.87, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression to identify factors influencing postpartum mental health.

Results : A total of 90.97% of the participants had mental health levels comparable to the general population. Social support was at a high level (Mean=3.83, SD=0.195), and maternal role attainment among adolescent mothers was also high (Mean=3.93, SD=0.216). Multiple regression analysis showed that social support and maternal role attainment were significant factors influencing the mental health of postpartum teenage mothers (R²=0.242, F=2.911, p<0.001). Social support (β=0.186, p<0.05) and maternal role attainment (β=-0.288, p<0.05) were both statistically significant predictors.

Conclusion : Social support and maternal role attainment are key influencing factors on the mental health of postpartum teenage mothers. Therefore, healthcare providers should focus on providing knowledge, skills training, emotional support, and promoting family involvement—especially from spouses—to help reduce mental health problems in this vulnerable group.