Effects of the symptoms of mother depression on the results of baby care

Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of maternal depressive symptoms on the outcome of infant care. Method: This study was conducted as a cross-sectional and analytical study with 229 mothers voluntarily participated in the study who had six months old children and who were enrolled in a family health center. The data were obtained using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Problem Solving Skills Assessment Form, "My Care Status of My Baby Care Issues" Scale and Mother and Baby Descriptive Characteristics and Mother's Protective Health Behavior Question Form. During the analysis of the date, Pearson's chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U, Fisher's exact test, Pearson correlation and t-test were used. Results: As a result of the study, it was determined 37.1% of the mothers showed depressive symptoms. Mothers with depressive symptoms were found to have lower baby height and weight averages, baby breastfeeding rate and duration, baby care skills, baby screening skills and care-screening total skill scores compared to mothers who did not show these indications. Compared to mothers who show symptoms, mothers who do not show depressive symptoms were found to be more likely to follow the vaccination history of their babies, to bring the baby to the family health center when the time comes, and to take it to the health institution without losing any time when any health problem is monitored with the baby. Again, it was determined that compared to the mothers with depressive symptoms mothers without them had a higher rate of giving vitamin D and iron drops regularly and at the appropriate amount to their babies and also being full compliance with the recommendation given regarding the baby by the health personnel. Meanwhile, it was determined that as the score on the EPDS increased, maternal infant care skills, baby screening skills and care-screening total skill scores decreased. Conclusion: This study is important in terms of providing early diagnosis, treatment and control of the mothers at risk for postpartum depression as well as avoiding adversely affecting the growth and development of the baby due to inadequate care.