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

The aim of study is to establish the relationship between the anxiety, depression and quality of life levels and the relationships in the early postpartum period of mothers. Cross-sectional study has been conducted with 162 mothers consulting to Family Health Centre (FHC) during the first week of postpartum. The present study has been conducted through interview method in 6 FHCs selected among 24 FHCs among systematic sampling method. Personal Introduction Form, Centre for Epidemiologic Studies’ Depression Scales, Beck Anxiety Inventory and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale have been filled out for those who accepted to join the survey. Postpartum depression risk has been found 33.3% and average anxiety score has been found 11.12±7.58. There is a significant negative correlation between the average scores the level of depression and anxiety, and sub-dimensions of the quality of life scale (physical r= -0.302, p=0.000/ r= -310, p=0.000; mental r= -0.606, p=0.000/ r= -0.426, p=0.000; social r= -0.209, p=0.008/ r= -0.227, p=0.004; national environmental r= -0.210, p=0.007/ r= -0.170, p=0.031). As the depression and anxiety levels of mothers in the postpartum period, sub-dimensions of the psychological, physical, social and national dimensions the quality of life scale are affected adversely.