Returning to work after childbirth and women’s mental health: the place of work-family conflict and of social supports in a population of working mothers in Paris area

OBJECTIVE: Analyzing in a cross-sectional study the factors associated with mental health in 1511 recently delivered women returning to work, the mediating role of work-family interface, and the moderating role of social supports. METHODS: Data were collected at 3 months after returning to work to assess work characteristics (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire), work-family conflict (Survey Work-Home Interaction Nijmegen), anxiodepressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), commuting, childcare, household demands, and social supports. RESULTS: Anxiety and, to a lesser extent, depressive symptoms were associated with work factors, the opposite for the nonwork demands. The mediation by work-family conflict and the moderation of social supports were present especially for anxiety symptoms. Taking into account the parental constraints by the hierarchy, family/friends' support and paid personnel reduced anxiodepressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Promoting mental health at returning to work of new mothers needs the assessment of total workload and resources.