Postpartum maternal mental health: cross-country findings from Cyprus and Slovenia

Background

The postpartum period is a critical phase for maternal psychological adjustment, yet cross-country evidence remains limited. This study examines the prevalence, predictors and lived experiences of maternal mental health in Cyprus and Slovenia within the Mind the Mum project.

Methods

A cross-country explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected from 1,019 postpartum women (Cyprus: n = 474; Slovenia: n = 545) using validated instruments (EPDS, GAD-7, WHO-5, BSS-R, BSES-SF, Brief COPE). Analyses included descriptive statistics, correlations and regression models. Qualitative data from focus groups (Cyprus: n = 42; Slovenia: n = 19) were analysed thematically.

Results

Maternal mental health challenges were highly prevalent across both countries. Approximately one-third of women met criteria for probable postpartum depression (CY: 36.8%; Sl: 33.4%), while over half reported elevated depressive symptoms. Anxiety was also widespread, with moderate-to-severe levels observed in 31.2% of Cypriot and 18.3% of Slovenian participants. Furthermore, low well-being was significantly higher in Cyprus (42.3%) compared to Slovenia (20.2%).Across both contexts, anxiety was the strongest predictor of depressive symptoms (β≈.51–.54, p<.001). Well-being and breastfeeding self-efficacy were protective, while birth-related stress and maladaptive coping were associated with poorer outcomes. Adaptive coping and partner/family support were consistently protective. Qualitative findings highlighted shared experiences of emotional vulnerability, identity transition, breastfeeding challenges, gaps in communication and decision-making during childbirth.

Conclusions

Postpartum mental health is shaped by interconnected psychological, behavioural and systemic factors. The high prevalence of distress underscores the need for integrated, woman-centred perinatal care that strengthens psychosocial support, improves communication and promotes maternal autonomy.

Key messages

• Postpartum mental health challenges affect over one-third of mothers, highlighting a substantial and under-recognised public health burden across European settings.

• Strengthening psychosocial support, communication and maternal autonomy is essential to improve perinatal care and promote maternal well-being.