Comparing marital satisfaction between women with and without

Introduction: The postpartum period is a time of risk for affective disorders in women. 50 to 80 percent of mothers experience postpartum blues in first week after delivery. The aim of this study was to compare marital satisfaction between cesareaned women with and without postpartum blues. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross sectional study. We selected 150 cases who underwent cesarean section in Dr. Ali Shariati and Ome-Leila hospital of Bandar Abbas. Data collection included demographic questionnaire, information about pregnancy and delivery, visual pain scale, Aizeng self esteem scale, Beck depression scale and Azrin Natan H marital satisfaction scale. Demographic questionnaire and information about pregnancy and delivery were completed after cesarean section. We divided the cases to two groups (with and without postpartum blues) according to Beck depression scale on 3rd or 7th day after cesarean section. Finally Azrin Natan H marital satisfaction scale was assessed on the 7th day and compared in the two groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, t-tests, chi square, Fisher and Pearson correlation tests. Results: Marital satisfaction mean score was higher in women without postpartum blues (71±6.3v.s 68.5±8.2) which is statistically important difference (P<0.05). Cases’ agreement with their husbands about sexuality wife’s satisfaction from visiting husband’s family, husband’s satisfaction from visiting wife’s family, and effect of newborn birth on the mother’s occupational situation were all significantly associated with postpartum blues (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is suggested that all professionals involved in maternal postpartum care (especially midwives) be trained about the time of incidence, symptoms and possible methods for reducing postpartum blues.