Effectiveness of Health Education and Vitamin D3 Supplementation in Preventing Postpartum Depression among Women in Vinh Bao District, Hai Phong

Oanh Thi Hoang, Lan Anh Thai, Tuan Anh Truong

Abstract: Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a global health concern with severe consequences. Previous studies have investigated either health education interventions or the association between serum vitamin D levels and postpartum depression. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined health education and vitamin D3 supplementation intervention on postpartum depression. Methods: This was a community-based intervention study with a controlled pre-post comparison design. The study participants were postpartum mothers from six communes in Vinh Bao District, Hai Phong. A total of 204 mothers were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group received a health education program and vitamin D3 supplementation (2,000 IU/day) for three months. Depression scores (EPDS) were assessed at baseline (T1) and three months post-intervention (T2). Results: After three months of intervention, both groups showed a reduction in depression scores, with a greater decrease in EPDS scores in the intervention group compared to the control group (Z = -4.71 vs. Z = -2.41, p < 0.05). The prevalence of probable postpartum depression significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group (3.4% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.027). These results suggest that the combination of health education and vitamin D3 supplementation can effectively reduce postpartum depression. Conclusions: Postpartum depression prevention programs should integrate health education and vitamin D3 supplementation to enhance effectiveness. Larger-scale studies are needed to confirm the intervention?s impact. Future research should also better control for potential confounding factors influencing postpartum depression.

Keywords: postpartum depression, prevention, health education, vitamin D3, Hai Phong