Examination of relationship between social support, depressive symptoms and use of social network by pregnant women

Aim: The purpose of this research determine relationship between social support, depressive symptoms and use of social network by pregnant women. Material and Method: The research was conducted as a descriptive and correlational. Population of the study consisted of pregnant women who were admitted to Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Health Practices and Research Hospital between 23 August and 30 November 2018 with gestational age 16 and above. Sample group consisted of 819 pregnant women that have target population representation power of 0.95 in the 95 % confidence interval, which was determined as effect size of 0.05 and significance level of 0.05, based on the power analysis. Data were collected by using the Participant Information Form, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MPSSS) and Beck Depression Scale. Data were collected by using face-to-face interview method by the researcher in the obstetrics polyclinics of specified hospital on weekdays. In the statistical evaluation of data; percentage distribution, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, independent samples t test, Chi-Square and Cronbach's Alpha reliability test were used. Results: In the study, it was found that three fourths of the pregnant women used social networking sites, according to the MPSSS mean scores, they get the most social support from their spouse and family. It was found that more than half of the pregnant women used social network 1-4 times a day and spent about 1-2 hours. Depressive symptoms were found in one third of pregnant women. it was found that depressive symptoms increased as a result of decreasing social support from family, friend and spouse (p <0.01). More depressive symptoms were found in pregnant women who did not use social network (p <0.01). Conclusion: In the study It was found that the ones who used social network received more social support from their spouse and family than the ones who did not use social network. Also it was found that more depressive symptoms were found in pregnant women who did not use social network. According to the results of this study, it is recommended to encourage the use of social support to reduce depressive symptoms of pregnant women. Keywords: Pregnancy, social network, social support, depression.