Predictors of maternal functional status during postpartum period

The important aspects of maternal postpartum adjustment are readiness in caring for the family, newly-added member and self as well as return to pre-pregnancy functional status. The aim of the study was to determine the predictors of postpartum maternal functioning.

Methods & Materials:

 This cross-sectional study was conducted on 422 newly delivered mothers attended the healthcare centers of Bonab in 2016 using the cluster random sampling method. Data were collected through a socio-demographic characteristics form, the Edinburgh postpartum depression scale, and the functional status questionnaire. The multivariate linear regression model on the SPSS software version 21 was used to determine the predictors of functional status.

Mean (SD) of the functional status total score was 2.3 (0.24). The maximum and the minimum scores were in the subdomains “infant care” [3.64 (0.32)], and “social activities and society” [1.43 (0.41)], respectively. There was a significant inverse correlation between postpartum depression and total score of functional status, self-care and social activities and society subscales. According to the general linear model, postpartum depression, spouse’s age and job, economic status, mother’s education level and the number of pregnancy were the predictors of mothers’ functional status during postpartum period.

Postpartum depression and some socio-demographic characteristics are among the variables influencing maternal functional status. Therefore, the early diagnosis and treatment of postpartum depression and consideration of the mothers’ socio-demographic characteristics, can improve maternal functional status and result in better maternal postpartum adjustment.