Volume 16, Issue 3 (May & June 2026)
J Research Health 2026, 16(3): 243-254 |
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Ethics code: IRCT2016030510426N10
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Alafchi N, Norouzi M, Eghbalian M. The Effect of Health Education on Self-efficacy, Social Support, and Perceived Barriers in the Postpartum Period. J Research Health 2026; 16 (3) :243-254
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2796-en.html
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2796-en.html
1- Department of Science in Midwifery, School of School of Nursing and Midwifery, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
2- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
3- Department of Public Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Health, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran. ,eghbalian1992@gmail.com
2- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
3- Department of Public Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Health, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran. ,
Abstract: (142 Views)
Background: Counseling is vital for postpartum health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of counseling on maternal self-efficacy, social support, and perceived barriers during the postpartum period.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 112 primiparous women with vaginal delivery from Hamadan City, Iran, assigned into intervention and control groups using two-stage cluster sampling. The intervention group attended three 45–60-minute weekly counseling sessions on postpartum health topics, supported by follow-up and an educational booklet. Data were collected using four questionnaires on demographics, self-efficacy, social support, and perceived barriers before and after the intervention.
Results: The mean ages of mothers in the experimental and control groups were 23.46 and 23.77, respectively. In the experimental group, after the intervention, the mean self-efficacy increased from 27.77±4.62 to 33.43±5.73 (P<0.001), and the mean social support increased from 21.25±6.34 to 24.07±6.26 (P<0.001), while in the control group, the mean self-efficacy (P<0.001), and social supports decreased after the intervention. However, the mean perceived barriers in the experimental group decreased from 36.29±7.23 to 31.54±5.40 and increased in the control group after the intervention (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Counseling during the postpartum period enhances mothers’ self-efficacy and social support while reducing barriers to healthy behaviors. This intervention significantly improved outcomes in the intervention group compared to the control group. Therefore, small-group counseling sessions (comprising 5 to 10 participants) may be considered for integration into public health services for first-time mothers who have delivered vaginally, to support their mental well-being and encourage healthy lifestyle habits.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 112 primiparous women with vaginal delivery from Hamadan City, Iran, assigned into intervention and control groups using two-stage cluster sampling. The intervention group attended three 45–60-minute weekly counseling sessions on postpartum health topics, supported by follow-up and an educational booklet. Data were collected using four questionnaires on demographics, self-efficacy, social support, and perceived barriers before and after the intervention.
Results: The mean ages of mothers in the experimental and control groups were 23.46 and 23.77, respectively. In the experimental group, after the intervention, the mean self-efficacy increased from 27.77±4.62 to 33.43±5.73 (P<0.001), and the mean social support increased from 21.25±6.34 to 24.07±6.26 (P<0.001), while in the control group, the mean self-efficacy (P<0.001), and social supports decreased after the intervention. However, the mean perceived barriers in the experimental group decreased from 36.29±7.23 to 31.54±5.40 and increased in the control group after the intervention (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Counseling during the postpartum period enhances mothers’ self-efficacy and social support while reducing barriers to healthy behaviors. This intervention significantly improved outcomes in the intervention group compared to the control group. Therefore, small-group counseling sessions (comprising 5 to 10 participants) may be considered for integration into public health services for first-time mothers who have delivered vaginally, to support their mental well-being and encourage healthy lifestyle habits.
Type of Study: Orginal Article |
Subject:
● Health Education
Received: 2025/05/3 | Accepted: 2025/08/17 | Published: 2026/03/14
Received: 2025/05/3 | Accepted: 2025/08/17 | Published: 2026/03/14
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