Prevalence of Cognitive Impairments In Postpartum Period Among Young Adult Female's

Abstract

This study aims to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairments in postpartum period among young adult female’s. Pregnancy and postpartum period are the most crucial phases of women’s life. During and after pregnancy, a women’s body undergoes numerous changes such as physical, physiological, emotional, social, hormonal and psychological, this changes may contribute to some negative impacts on women’s neuro-psychologocal state, due to which they may experience a range of emotions, from joy and fulfilment to anxiety, forgetfulness, sadness, often referred to as the “Mommy Brain” phenomenon. A cross-sectional study was carried out. The study sample included 50 females’ in early post-partum phase and 50 females’ in late post-partum phase, they were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Convenient sampling was done. Ethical approval was taken prior to the study. Memory and cognitive functions was assessed using Everyday Memory Questionnaire-Revised (EMQ-R), and Mini-Mental Status Examination Scale (MMSE), we also assessed post-partum quality of life using Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life-Instrument (MPQOL). Appropriate statistical tests were used to analyse the data. Mean, SD, coefficient of correlation and percentage distribution of cognitive impairment were tested. Results of the study showed significant difference between two groups. On MMSE, subjects in the late postpartum phase performed better as compared to the subjects in early postpartum phase, on EMQ-R subjects in the early postpartum phase experienced higher levels of memory impairments. On MPQOL, the late postpartum group had a higher mean score on the MPQOL (Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life) compared to the early postpartum group. This implies that women in the late postpartum phase reported a better quality of life related to maternal aspects compared to those in the early postpartum phase. Accordingly, it was determined that a significant portion of postpartum women’s experience some level of cognitive impairment, though the severity varies.