The relationship between postpartum depression and health literacy

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between postpartum depression and health literacy. The study is a descriptive and relational study. The study was carried out in Afyonkarahisar State Hospital. The study included 248 voluntarily women aged 18-49 years, on the 1st and 2nd postpartum days, who agreed to participate in the study. Information Form, Health Literacy Scale, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale were used to collect data. As a result of our study, it was found that the rate of postpartum depression was 27.4%, and the health literacy score was 95.3. Considering the correlation analysis between these two variables, it was found that there was a negative and weak relationship between health literacy and the rate of postpartum depression; A negative and weak relationship was found between the sub-dimensions of health literacy, access to information, and the rate of postpartum depression. In the regression analysis performed to determine the effect of health literacy on postpartum depression, it was found that health literacy reduced the level of postpartum depression. According to this result, health professionals; Since women's determination of their health literacy levels will bring healthier and more positive pregnancy outcomes, it is stated that they should provide training on postpartum depression risks, symptoms and treatment during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period, form support groups, teach ways to prevent postpartum depression, and use the internet to access information in the study results. Therefore, web-based training programs prepared by health professionals in this direction will be beneficial in reducing the rate of postpartum depression.