The effects of Social supports on Mother's mental health after Childbirth Recovery process in the Maternity Wards (Case study: Tehran General Hospitals)

In today’s mechanized world, the need for a patient-friendly attitude in the hospitals and its psychological effects on the recovery time of patients has been proven. Considering the special pre and post-partum conditions of a pregnant woman, together with the fact that the mother and child cannot be treated as a patient case, makes these psychological effects more critical in this research, the mental state of pregnant women in association with the social support they receive, and its role on their stay and recovery, was investigated. The effect of maternity unit architectural design on the quality of the patient social interactions with visitors, medical board, and other patients has been investigated by conducting a survey in maternity units of Tehran’s General Hospitals. It was found that the establishment of social communications with visitors, hospital staff, and other patients had significantly positive psychological effects on patients. Not only the mental health status of patients was improved, also their recovery time was reduced. This was concluded that the design of healthcare centers should provide maternity unit’s patients effective communication opportunities by providing an appropriate space for patients companies, family members, and visitors.