Long-term postpartum health problems in Turkish women: prevalence and associations with self-rated health

Abstract

Objective: To examine the frequency of physical and emotional health problems associated with labor and their relationship with self-rated health measures. Methods: Four hundred women were enrolled. Data collection was accomplished through the completion of a form on sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, a questionnaire that measured the self-rated health level as well as physical health problems, and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Results: Most commonly reported health problems in the initial six-week period were fatigue (77.5%), sleep disturbance (76.0%), and dysuria (61.3%). At one-year postpartum, fatigue (33.9%), sleep disturbance (32.8%) and constipation (15.5%) were the most commonly reported complaints. Those who self-reported a “poor health” at six weeks and one year comprised of 40.0% and 19.8% of the participants, respectively. Conclusion: Further studies in other populations are warranted to better delineate the prevalence rates, which will provide useful data for developing policies aimed at improving postpartum care.