Factors Predicting Postpartum Maternal Stress, Chum Phae Hospital, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical research aimed to study the factors predicting postpartum maternal stress. The sample consisted of 306 postpartum mothers within 48-72 hours after giving birth, who gave birth at Chumphae Hospital, Khon Kaen Province, all cases in selection criteria, between July and October 2023. The tools used were a general information questionnaire, with the content validity test value was 1, and a stress test questionnaire (ST5) assessment. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of ST5 was 0.8. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and statistical analysis: chi-square, and binary logistic regression. The results showed that the prevalence of postpartum maternal stress was at a moderate to high level of 15.7%, divided into a moderate level of 13.7%, and a high level of 2.0%. Factors predicted postpartum maternal stress were mental problems (ORadj=18.4, p<0.01), postpartum complications (ORadj=17.4, p<0.001), poor family relationships (ORadj=5.4, p<0.001), the intended duration of breastfeeding less than 6 months (ORadj=4.3, p<0.01), and anxiety during pregnancy (ORadj=3.1, p<0.05), which were able to explain 42% of the variance in postpartum stress (R2=0.42, p<0.001). In conclusion, moderate to severe postpartum stress was quite high. Factors that predict maternal postpartum stress include mental problems, postpartum complications, poor family relationships, the intended duration of breastfeeding less than 6 months, and anxiety during pregnancy. Therefore, in postpartum care, stress and risk factors should be assessed in every case in order to monitor, provide counseling for mothers with stress and risk factors, and refer mothers with high stress for treatment to prevent impacts on maternal health and child rearing.