A study to examine the effectiveness of the Postpartum Parent Support Program (PPSP) on a group of primiparous mothers at four to six weeks postpartum

Basha, Mary Quinlan (1993) A study to examine the effectiveness of the Postpartum Parent Support Program (PPSP) on a group of primiparous mothers at four to six weeks postpartum. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The purpose of the study was to: (1) examine whether or not the PPSP is working, as intended, to meet the informational needs of new mothers; (2) examine the effectiveness of the information given through the PPSP on the competence and confidence of new mothers; (3) identify the common parenting issues for the group and determine if there is a need for further structured support beyond six weeks. -- Eighty primiparous mothers of healthy, full-term babies completed questionnaires at four to six weeks postpartum (40 before the introduction of the PPSP and 40 after the introduction of the PPSP). Using descriptive statistics and the Chi-Square Test, the comparison and treatment groups were compared. -- Ratings for printed information and materials were higher for the treatment group (after the introduction of the PPSP) when compared with the comparison group (before the introduction of the PPSP). PPSP materials which were developed for use with this program were rated by the treatment group only. They were rated highly for content, readability and ease of understanding. There was a marked increase in the consistency of information between hospital and community nurses after the introduction of the PPSP. Mothers in the treatment group demonstrated increased confidence in some areas and increased maternal satisfaction with community health nursing visits. -- Ratings for helpfulness of information given by the nurses were higher for the treatment group when compared with the comparison group. There were few differences between the groups when compared in relation to the type of maternal infant feeding chosen (i.e. breast-feeding versus bottle-feeding). Specific program areas were identified as having positive impact, others as making satisfactory progress and three areas were identified as needing to be addressed. -- Both groups sought additional community support from family physicians, family/relatives/friends, community health nurses, hospital nurses and support groups. There were common concerns related to the parenting experience and marked interest in attending a parenting support group at the community level.

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