The effect of text message support on postpartum anxiety, depression and self reliance for the first time father

Aim: The research was carried out to determine the effect of text message support on postpartum anxiety, depression and self reliance for the first time father. Material and Method: The research conducted in the semi experimental type with pre-test and post-test control group was carried out in lohusa and surgery services located in Beydağı Campus of Malatya Education and Research Hospital. The sample consisted of 124 fathers for the first time (62 experiments, 62 controls). The data were collected between October 2017- March 2018 by using Personal Information Form, Trait Anxiety Inventory (SCI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Pharis Self Reliance Inventory (PSI). A total of 30 text messages were sent to the fathers in the experimental group for six weeks after birth. No attempts were made to the control group. In the statistical analysis of the data, descriptive statistics, t test were used in dependent and independent groups. Results: After the intervention, the mean score of the experimental group was lower than the control group and the difference between the scores was not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, it was determined that the mean score of the experimental group was decreased and the difference between the pre-test and post-test mean scores was statistically significant (p<0.001). After the intervention, the mean BDI score in the experimental group was lower than the control group, and the mean PSI score was higher than the control group and the difference between the mean scores was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: It was found that the support of short messages on the phone reduced anxiety and depression in fathers and increased self-reliance. Key Words: Father, Depression, Midwifery, Anxiety, Text Message, Self-reliance Key Words: Father, Depression, Midewifery, Anxiety, Text Message, Selfreliance