The postpartum period during the COVID-19 pandemic: investigating Turkish women’s postpartum support and postpartum-specific anxiety

Abstract

This study aimed to examine how Turkish women were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the postpartum period in terms of postpartum support and anxiety variables. The study was conducted with 130 women who gave birth during the COVID-19 period. Data were collected online using a personal information form, Postpartum Support Scale and Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale. Descriptive statistics were used, with Kruskal-Wallis and regression analysis performed. All postpartum women stated that they were affected negatively by COVID-19. The most common issues described were feeling alone (25.51%), having economic difficulties (15.5%) and experiencing difficulties accessing health services (21.7%). The mean Postpartum Support Scale score was 102.43±27.67, while the mean Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale score was 188.07±96.71. COVID-19 exposure level had a significant effect on postpartum-specific anxiety (p=0.00). The variables of having a problem during pregnancy (p=0.006), having a baby willingly (p=0.007), and partner's educational status significantly predicted the degree of being affected by COVID-19 (p=0.025). The degree to which COVID-19 affected the women was determined by having problems during pregnancy, having a baby willingly, and a highly educated partner. These variables may inform a resource to empower postpartum women during COVID-19. Healthcare systems need to be organised considering pandemic conditions to provide increased postpartum support, evaluate psychological health, deliver healthcare services, and consider pregnancy periods.