Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms after Child Birth Frequency, Risk Factor and Effect on Quality of Life

Abstract

Aim: To estimate the frequency and risk factor for childbirth related post traumatic stress symptoms in a sample of Pakistani women, and to determine its effect on quality of life. Methods: This was cross sectional descriptive study carried out in OPD of Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, during 3 months period from Feb 2017 to April 2017. 100 Postnatal (up to 1 year) after childbirth women were enrolled in study. Interview on a formatted questionnaire including demographic, ante-natal, Intrapartum and perinatal characteristics were obtained. Regarding post traumatic stress symptoms, childbirth experience questionnaire and Trauma event scale (Based on DSM-IV) were used. Results: In all, 120 postnatal (up to 1year of delivery) women were evaluated in OPD. Of these, 28 women (23.33) experienced some sort of trauma in childbirth and overall 7 women(5.8%)were found to be suffering from postpartum post traumatic stress symptoms. Among the risk factors were low educational level, neonatal stay in ICU, labor duration, and mode of delivery and staff care and partner support were important for women perceived safely. Conclusion: Although, frequency of post traumatic stress symptoms is very high in postnatal women, yet it is important and has impact on quality of life of women. Staff care and partner support are important for women perceived safely during pregnancy and childbirth. Low physical stamina,depressed mood and loss of interest in sexual activity with husband are important factors for quality of life of women.