Effects of postpartum fatigue, parenting stress, and family support on postpartum depression in Chinese first-time mothers: a cross-sectional study

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the levels of postpartum fatigue, parenting stress, family support, and postpartum depression (PPD) experienced by first-time Chinese mothers and to investigate their impact on PPD. Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved 150 primigravida women attending postnatal checkups in Hebi City, Henan Province, China. Demographic data and information on environmental variables (living conditions, family relationships), postpartum fatigue, parenting stress, family support (expected vs. actual level), and PPD were collected. Results: The average age of the women was 26.25 years (SD, ±3.90), with 78.7% at risk for PPD (score ≥10). Significant correlations were found between PPD and postpartum fatigue (r=.63, p