Van Tıp Dergisi (Apr 2021)
Evaluation of factors affecting depression and sexual dysfunction in the postpartum period
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Postpartum depression and sexual dysfunction are common disorders in postpartum period and negatively effects infant's development. The aim is to evaluate the effect of parameters such as breastfeeding, mode of delivery and birth education program on depression and sexual dysfunction of postpartum women. METHODS: Postpartum women 3 months after childbirth were enrolled in this cross-sectional cohort study. Postpartum depression risk and sexual dysfunction were scanned by Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale(EPDS), Female Sexual Function Index(FSFI); socio-demographic and obstetric features were assessed through a self-developed survey including daily life style and breastfeeding. RESULTS: A total of 89 postpartum women without a history of psychiatric illness were included. 45/89(50.6%) of them completed the birth education program during antenatal period. EPDS and FSFI scores were 6.57 +- 7.2, 26.6 +- 11.4 in those who attended birth education program and 9.70 +-8.3, 19.4+-18 in those who did not, respectively(p<0.05).According to the status of breastfeeding or mode of delivery, there was no statistically significant difference in postpartum depression risk and sexual function scores(p>0.05). Additionally, as secondary outcomes we assessed the relation of the birth education program with mode of delivery and breastfeeding. 64.4% of postpartum women who delivered vaginally participated to the birth education program, whereas only 35.6% of women who delivered with caesarean section participated(p=0.056).Secondly, when we compared the status of breastfeeding with participation in the birth preparation program, there was no significance(p=0.4). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study has shown that systematic and multidisciplinary developed birth education program reduces the possibility of postpartum depression and improves level of sexual function.
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