Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition with significant implications for maternal and infant health. However, the role of caregivers in its management remains underexplored, particularly regarding their specific knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). To address this gap, this study aimed to quantify KAP levels regarding PPD among caregivers. This cross-sectional study collected 503 surveys from primary caregivers of postpartum women in Henan, China, using a validated questionnaire between November 2024 and February 2025. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with KAP outcomes, while structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to explore the interrelationships among KAP dimensions. The results showed that mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 10.63 ± 3.36 (possible range: 0–26), 38.31 ± 4.80 (possible range: 9–45), and 30.28 ± 6.49 (possible range: 8–40), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression showed that lack of access to professional psychological counseling was associated with poorer knowledge, while higher knowledge and more positive attitudes were significantly associated with proactive caregiving practices (all P < 0.001). SEM demonstrated that knowledge had significant direct effects on attitude (β = 0.300, P < 0.001) and practice (β = 0.217, P < 0.001), while attitude had a strong direct effect on practice (β = 0.703, P < 0.001). In conclusion, caregivers demonstrated limited knowledge but relatively positive attitudes and practices regarding PPD. Targeted educational interventions and improved access to psychological support may help enhance caregiver knowledge and support for postpartum mental health.
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This work was financially supported by the Henan Provincial Science and Technology R&D Plan Project (NO. 252102310211). The funders had no role in study design, data collection, and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
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The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Xinxiang Central Hospital (No. 2024- 609). All participants were informed about the study protocol and provided written informed consent to participate in the study. I confirm that all methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines. All procedures were performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments.
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Li, C., Yang, H., Bi, J. et al. Caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding postpartum depression: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-54922-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-54922-1
