The Relationship between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following Childbirth with Sexual Dysfunction and Marital Satisfaction in the Postpartum Period in Women referring to Health Centers of Baneh

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction Some of the common symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder women experience during postpartum period include: behavior and mood changing, woman’s social function interference and its negative effects on spouse and week parent-child mutuality. Given the adverse outcomes of stress disorders the present survey was designed to evaluate the relationship between postpartum post traumatic stress disorder with the components of sexual dysfunction and marital satisfaction. Method This co-relational descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 2017 on 365 women referred to Health complex of Baneh (Iran) to receive routine postnatal care in 10-16 weeks following delivery. The research tools included a midwifery and demographic characteristics questionnaire, Persian version of FSFI, marital satisfaction inventory, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms checklist (DSM-IV). Data was statistically analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including independent- t test, one way ANOVA, and multivariate linear regression. Results About 47.7% of women experienced postpartum PTSD. The mean score of PP-PTSD was 13.6 (SD: 10.9, from average score of 0-51). The symptoms average scores were recorded (re-experiencing:3.5 (SD:3.1), avoidance: 5.1 (SD: 4.9), activation: 4.9 (SD: 4.3)) in the following ranges of (respectively) 0-12, 0-21, 0-18. The mean standard deviation (the range of 2-36) for sexual function and its subtypes was 19.4. Evaluating sexual function dimensions the highest and lowest scores were respectively for pain [3.9 (2.1)] and satisfaction [2.5 (1.5)] while the highest and lowest scores for marital satisfaction were found to be for idealistic distortion [65.5 (9.10)] and conflict resolution [5.6 (2.10)]. Findings of the T-independent test indicated no significant statistic difference between the scores of post traumatic stress disorder with sexual function and, also, with marital satisfaction and their subtypes (P≥0.05). Given midwifery and demographic characteristics multivariate linear test suggested significant statistic relationship between PTSD overall score with monthly income, pregnancy and delivery frequency, number of live children, the couple’s conception of pregnancy status and desired delivery method (P<0.05). Conclusion Given the high prevalence of postpartum PTSD and its negative outcomes it is necessary to design appropriate intervention considering individual- social and midwifery factors to improve delivery experiences as well as parturient and postpartum supports.