Comparing Spiritual Health and Perceived Stress in Women with Preeclampsia, affected and Unaffected by Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Background and purpose: Women who develop preeclampsia are prone to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The major role of spiritual health is well understood in health contexts. On the other hand, the effects of stress, anxiety, and depression are known to influence the treatment process in women with preeclampsia experiences. So, this study aimed at comparing spiritual health and perceived stress levels in women with preeclampsia, affected and unaffected by PTSD. This descriptive-analytic study was done in 278 multipara women with preeclampsia at 36-40 weeks gestation admitted to public hospitals in Mashhad, Iran 2017. The Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress Questionnaire (PPQ), the Post Traumatic Disorder Checklist (PCL), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS 21), and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale were administered. Data were analyzed using SPSS V16 applying independent T-test, Mann Whitney, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Among the patients 68 (26%) developed postpartum PTSD. Significant relationships were found between the two groups of affected and unaffected by postpartum PTSD in spiritual well-being (P= 0.030), depression (P= 0.001), stress (P= 0.000), and anxiety (P=0.000). Low levels of spiritual health and high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in postpartum women are amongst the main causes of developing PTSD in women with history of preeclampsia.