Author
BLESSING EWA-IBE, PhD
Department of Mass Communication
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
ewa-ibe.b@ebsu.edu.ng
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is an important maternal
mental-health concern that can affect women’s
psychological well-being, family relationships and
experiences of caring for their infants. The media play an
important role in informing the public about health
conditions and shaping how such conditions are
understood. This study examined the framing of
postpartum depression in PUNCH and Premium Times
online reports published from January 2025 to July 2026.
Specifically, the study sought to: (1) determine the
frequency and prominence of PPD reports published by
PUNCH and Premium Times; (2) identify the dominant
frames used in reporting PPD; (3) examine the tone of
the reports; and (4) examine the solutions and
interventions emphasized in the reports. Anchored on
Framing Theory, the study adopted a quantitative content-analysis design. A census of all eligible reports
published by the two selected online newspapers during
the study period was undertaken. Data were analyzed
using frequencies and percentages. The findings showed
that six eligible PPD reports were identified, with
PUNCH accounting for five (83.3%) and Premium
Times one (16.7%). Five reports (83.3%) had high
prominence, while one (16.7%) had moderate
prominence. The social/family/cultural frame was
dominant, accounting for three reports (50.0%), followed
by the medical/clinical frame with two (33.3%) and the
stigma/misinformation frame with one (16.7%).
Regarding tone, four reports (66.7%) were
neutral/informational and two (33.3%) were
positive/supportive, with no predominantly
negative/stigmatizing report identified. Family, partner
and social support was the most frequently emphasized
intervention, occurring in five reports (83.3%), while
professional treatment/counselling and
awareness/education each occurred in three reports
(50.0%). The study concludes that although coverage of
PPD was limited, the reports examined generally
presented the condition in an informative and supportive
manner, with considerable emphasis on family and social
support. It recommends that PUNCH and Premium
Times increase the frequency and continuity of PPD
coverage and provide more comprehensive information
on early identification, professional treatment, and
counselling and available mental-health services. The
study further recommends sustained collaboration
between journalists, health professionals and maternal- health institutions to promote accurate, balanced and
non-stigmatizing reporting of postpartum depression.
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