The Effect of assertiveness on postpartum depression

Postpartum depression endangers mother’s health and has negative effect on her social communication and infant development.Assertiveness is a part of life skills that improve depression.Therefore, this study was done aiming at determining the effect of assertiveness on postpartum depression. Materials & Menthods: This Study was a semi-exprimental, witch was accomplished in Fateme Zahra hospital in Najafabad.60 samples were selected from mothers with 4-8weeks after delivery through convenience method and then divided into 2groups randomly.Case group intervention was accomplished. Depression in both groups before and 1month after intervention was measured by Beck questionnaire.The obtained data were analyzed by statistical tests, paired –T, independent T, X2 and P≤0.05 was taken as the significant level. Mean depression score before intervention (32.7± 7.1)and after it (21.8 ± 6.7) showed a significant decrease in the case group (P<0.001). Comparison of mean depression between the case (21.8 ± 6.7) and control group (31.7 ± 6) after the intervention revealed a significant difference(P=0.01), while there was no significant difference between them before the intervention (P=0.4). Mean depression rate in the control group before the intervention (31.2± 5.4) and after it (31.7±6) did not show a significant difference (P=0.51) According to the results of this study and considering negative effect of postpartum depression on family function, more attention should be given to this disorder.