I must be strong: Social support and psychological wellbeing among low-income mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile

Resumo

This research examines the perceived social support and well-being among low-income Chilean mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. An exploratory study was adopted to analyze two postpartum mothers’ experiences while served by a Community Health Center. Qualitative data were collected using direct observation of service activities, exchange of text and voice messages through a mobile messaging app, and telephone interviews. The results reveal that mothers obtain negative support from their intimate partners, unstable economic and emotional social support from their extended families, lack of support within the community, and basic material goods from social and health services. Our findings also show that participants report negative mental and physical health outcomes when lacking support to deal with structural barriers. Policy implications include improving mothers’ access to community social support and public services from the perinatal period. Future research should investigate the influence of social support on mothers’ well-being and their children’s outcomes.