Depression, Anxiety and Quality of Life of Mothers in the Early Postpartum Period

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the anxiety, depression and quality of life levels of mothers in the early postpartum period. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 162 mothers consulting to Family Health Centers (FHCs) during the first week of postpartum. The present study was conducted through face to face interviews with participants using a pencil and questionnaire form in 6 FHCs selected among 24 FHCs using cluster sampling method. Personal Introduction Form, Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale were filled out for those who accepted to participate in the study. Results: Postpartum depression risk was found to be 33.3% and the average anxiety score was found 11.12±7.58. There was a significant negative correlation between the average scores of the level of depression and anxiety, and the sub-dimensions of the Quality of Life Scale. Postpartum depression and anxiety level negatively affect postpartum quality of life. As the depression and anxiety levels of the mothers increased in the postpartum period, the quality of life of the psychological, physical, social and national sub-scales were affected negatively. Conclusion: As the depression and anxiety levels of mothers in the postpartum period increased, the psychological, physical, social and national sub-scales of the Quality of Life Scale were affected negatively.