Relationship between postpartum anxiety and depression and marital satisfaction

Abstract

Background and purpose: Anxiety will increase the risk of postpartum depression if it persists too long thereby, affecting marital relationship. The present study was performed to determine the relationship between postpartum anxiety and depression and marital satisfaction. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 270 mothers (8 weeks postpartum) attending healthcare center in Tabriz, 2014-2015 were recruited. Marital satisfaction, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to collect the data. Pearson correlation test was used to determine the relationship between marital satisfaction and postpartum depression and anxiety. Results: The mean scores for depression, and state and trait anxiety in women were 9.7+7.4, 52.2+5.2, and 47.2+4.8, respectively. Mean marital satisfaction score was 111.0+27.6. There was a reverse correlation between total score of marital satisfaction and its aspects with depression, state and trait anxiety(r=0.976 to 0.647; P< 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicated lower levels of marital satisfaction in women with higher scores in depression and anxiety, therefore, to increase the level of marital satisfaction and strengthening the family relationships interventions are needed so that depression and anxiety are prevented in women during pregnancy and postpartum period. é 2016, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All right reserved.