The effect of postpartum anxiety on birth memory and postpartum comfort level in primiparous women

The study, which is descriptive and correlational in nature, included a sample of 224 postpartum women hospitalized in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Departments of Süleyman Demirel University Research and Application Hospital and Isparta City Hospital. Data for the study were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Introductory Information Form, Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale, Birth Memory and Recall Scale, and Postnatal Comfort Scale. The mean Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale score of primiparous women was 74.74±16.29, and a significant difference was found between Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale scores and factors such as education level, income level, occupation, spouse's education level, spouse's occupation, smoking status, pregnancy planning, postnatal support availability, the person providing support, and satisfaction with the baby's gender. The mean Birth Memories and Recall Questionnaire score was 88.1±17.77, with significant differences found based on factors such as place of residence, occupation, spouse's education level, spouse's occupation, and the person who performed the delivery. The mean Postpartum Comfort Scale score was 125.6±14.77, with significant differences based on income level, social security status, spouse's education level, and delivery method. A statistically significant negative weak correlation was found between Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale and Birth Memories and Recall Questionnaire scores. A statistically significant negative moderate correlation was found between Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale and Postpartum Comfort Scale scores. A statistically significant positive weak correlation was found between Birth Memories and Recall Questionnaire and Postpartum Comfort Scale scores. In conclusion, it was determined that the anxiety levels of primiparous women were moderate, and as the anxiety of primiparous women increased, their birth memories and postnatal comfort levels decreased.