Post-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth: a study of prevalence and related factors in iranian women Prevalence of PTSD following childbirth

Abstract

Aim: Women who experience severe distress during the process of childbirth might develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with feeling the danger of death or severe trauma for the mother or the infant. Considering the changes in the diagnostic criteria of traumatic birth from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) to DSM-V and the adverse consequences of PTSD following childbirth, the present study was conducted. Material and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2017 on 375 postpartum women who experienced traumatic birth based on the criteria of DSM-V [A] and referred to the health centers of Arak, Iran, between 42-60 days postpartum. Data gathering tools were demographic and maternal-neonatal characteristics questionnaire, the PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview for DSM-5 (PSS-I-5), Mackey Childbirth Satisfaction Rating Scale and Winefield & Tiggmann Social support questionnaire. Chi-square test, trend Chi test, independent t-test and multivariate logistic regression test, were used for data analysis. Results: The prevalence of PTSD following childbirth was 26.7%. Logistic regression results found that childbirth satisfaction (OR=0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98, P<0.001), and support during and after delivery (OR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.26-0.91, P=0.004) significantly decreased risk of PTSD following childbirth and infant's restlessness (OR=3.04, 95% CI: 1.39-6.64, P=0.004) increased its risk. Discussion: Considering the high prevalence of PTSD following childbirth, designing appropriate interventions for improving labor experiences and enhancing support during and after delivery to prevent PTSD seems necessary.