Determining the anxiety levels, postpartum support needs, and the levels of received support in puerperae during the COVID-19 pandemic period

Abstract

Objective: This research was conducted to determine the anxiety levels, postpartum support needs, and the levels of received support in puerperae during the pandemic period. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out between April and August 2020 at the Postpartum Service of the Gynecology and Children’s Diseases Training and Research Hospital on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. Three hundred postpartum mothers who met the sampling criteria and volunteered to participate were included in the study. Data were collected using a survey form containing the participants’ demographic, individual, and obstetric characteristics, their opinions on the COVID-19 process, the Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS), and the Postpartum Support Scale (PSS). Results: It was determined that the average Beck Anxiety Scale score of the participants was 13.71±11.21, and 55% of them experienced moderate postpartum anxiety. The total Postpartum Support Scale mean score regarding the importance of support for the puerperae was calculated as 149.65±47.50, and the support received related to this need was found to be 118.32±48.58. Conclusion: It was determined that women experienced postpartum anxiety at a moderate level, needed considerable support during this period, but did not receive much support. Keywords: Anxiety, COVID-19, postpartum, support.