Abstract: Postnatal maternal mental health is an important public health concern, particularly among single mothers who may face economic hardship, social stigma, and limited support. This study assessed the determinants of integrated community-based counselling for improving postnatal maternal mental health among single mothers in Ruhango District, Rwanda. Specifically, it examined the availability of counselling services, associated socioeconomic and sociocultural factors, and the relationship between counselling and maternal mental health. The study was guided by Social Ecological Theory and Interpersonal Theory of Depression. A descriptive research design using a mixed-methods approach was adopted. The study involved 130 participants, selected through a census approach, comprising 84 single mothers, 40 community-based counselling facilitators, and six healthcare counsellors. Purposive sampling was used to select healthcare counsellors and community-based counselling facilitators, while simple random sampling was applied to select single mothers. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Instrument reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, with a threshold of 0.70, while validity was established through expert judgement. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), employing descriptive statistics and regression analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings indicated that integrated community-based counselling was generally available to single mothers in Ruhango District, although barriers related to rural accessibility and inflexible scheduling persisted. Socioeconomic factors were positively associated with improved postnatal maternal mental health, while sociocultural factors demonstrated a slightly stronger relationship. The findings also revealed a close relationship between socioeconomic and sociocultural conditions, suggesting that both influence access to counselling and maternal mental health outcomes. The study concludes that integrated community-based counselling can provide valuable support for single mothers, particularly when services are accessible, affordable, culturally appropriate, and supported by regular follow-up and strong community networks. It recommends that the Ministry of Health, district authorities, healthcare providers, and community health workers strengthen mental health screening, counselling, referral services, and stigma-reduction initiatives. Further research should investigate the long-term effectiveness, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of community-based counselling interventions among single mothers in Rwanda.
Keywords: Integrated community-based counselling; Postnatal maternal mental health; Single mothers; Determinants; Ruhango District, Rwanda.
Title: Determinants of Integrated Community Based Counselling To Improve Postnatal Maternal Mental Health Among Single Mothers In Ruhango District, Rwanda, 2026
Author: Benimana Francine Fridaus, Dr. Maurice Silali
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 14, Issue 2, October 2026 - March 2027
Page No: 57-68
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 09-November-2026
