The most common support received was in form of intangible support such as emotional and information support, mainly from females who were married and from the naturally occurring networks such as family and friends. No major variations were observed between the two time periods during pregnancy and following a stillbirth. Overall, social support was available from all network relations mentioned by the respondents. Network structure variables were calculated using UCINET version 6 while Netdraw facilitated the visualization of networks. We then performed a Poisson regression on each of the social support forms and the explanatory variables. Frequencies and bivariate analysis were conducted to determine the factors influencing the provision of social support from 293 network members elicited during the alter generation.

Data collection following established procedures was conducted on a convenient sample of 17 mothers who had experienced a stillbirth six months before the study. The study explored the role and attributes of women’s social networks in the provision of support to mothers who have experienced a stillbirth in Uganda.Īn exploratory cross-sectional study design adopting a social network approach was conducted. However, the form and direction of social support for women when in need is not clear.

Maternal healthcare-seeking behaviors are socially reinforced rendering a social network approach vital in understanding support dynamics which when utilized can improve community response to mothers experiencing stillbirth. Communities exert stigma on mothers after stillbirth despite their potential to offer social support to the grieving family.

Alter ego factors