Contagion: Scientific Periodical Journal of Public Health and Coastal Health
Vol 8, No 2 (2026): Contagion

A Conceptual Model of Family Assistance for Working Mothers in Preventing and Managing Postpartum Blues in Urban Areas

Elvalini Warnelis Sinaga (Unknown)
Rahmawani Fauza (Universitas Murni Teguh)
Debora Lestari Simamora (Universitas Imelda Medan)
Nova Linda Rambe (Universitas Imelda Medan)
Wellina Br. Sebayang (Universitas Imelda Medan)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

Physical recovery after childbirth. This study aimed to analyze factors influencing prevention and management efforts for postpartum blues among working mothers in an urban setting and to formulate a conceptual family-assistance model based on the significant predictors. A quantitative analytic study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 206 working postpartum mothers in urban areas of Medan City, Indonesia. Postpartum blues symptoms were screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with a cut-off score of ≥10. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The measurement model was evaluated through outer loading, Cronbach's alpha, rho_A, composite reliability, and average variance extracted (AVE). In contrast, the structural model was assessed using R-square, path coefficients, t-statistics, and p-values. Results: The mean EPDS score was 12.45 ± 3.18, and 142 respondents (69.0%) were categorized as having postpartum blues symptoms. All indicators demonstrated adequate outer loadings (>0.70), and all constructs met reliability and convergent validity criteria. The model explained 95.1% of the variance in prevention and management efforts for postpartum blues (R² = 0.951; adjusted R² = 0.947). The Health Belief Model had the strongest effect (β=0.312; T=7.428; p=0.000), followed by family assistance (β=0.288; T=5.236; p=0.000), psychological factors (β=0.254; T=5.644; p=0.000), social factors (β=0.210; T=3.442; p=0.001), physical factors (β=0.198; T=3.413; p=0.001), and demographic factors (β=0.185; T=3.557; p=0.000). Prevention and management of postpartum blues among working mothers should emphasize health beliefs, family assistance, psychological readiness, social support, physical recovery, and demographic vulnerability. The proposed conceptual model highlights the family as a key support system for early detection, help-seeking, and adherence to postpartum care Keywords: Postpartum Blues, Family Assistance, Working Mothers, Health Belief Model

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Journal Info

Abbrev

contagion

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Public Health

Description

Contagion: Scientific Periodical Journal of Public Health and Coastal Health, A Scientific Periodic Journal of Public Health published by the Public health Study Program of The Faculty of Public Health UINSU Medan. This Journal prioritiez the collaboration of lecturers and students with scope of the ...