Analysis of the relationship between postpartum anxiety and baby blues syndrome at Dewi Sartika hospital, Kendari City

Summary & key facts

This study surveyed 80 postpartum mothers at Dewi Sartika Hospital (first or second day after birth, June–Oct 2024) to see if anxiety after birth was linked to Baby Blues Syndrome. Using the PASS and EPDS tools, the researchers found 40% had no anxiety, 47.5% had mild–moderate anxiety, and 12.5% had severe anxiety. Overall 25% of mothers met criteria for Baby Blues, rates were highest in the severe-anxiety group, and a chi-square test gave p = 0.003, which the authors reported as a statistically significant association. Because the study was cross-sectional (one point in time), it shows a link but does not prove cause and effect.

Key facts:

• Sample size and timing: 80 postpartum mothers were studied on their first or second day after delivery at Dewi Sartika Hospital from June to October 2024.
• Measurement tools: Anxiety was measured with the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS). Baby Blues symptoms were measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).
• Anxiety levels: 40.0% of respondents had no anxiety, 47.5% had mild to moderate anxiety, and 12.5% had severe anxiety.
• Baby Blues prevalence: 25.0% of the 80 mothers (20 mothers) met the study’s criteria for Baby Blues Syndrome.
• Overlap of severe anxiety and Baby Blues: 8.75% of the total sample (7 of 80 mothers) had both severe anxiety and Baby Blues; this was the largest share of Baby Blues cases by anxiety level (7 of the 10 women with severe anxiety, or 70%).
• Statistical test: The chi-square test gave a p-value of 0.003, which the authors interpreted as a statistically significant relationship between postpartum anxiety level and Baby Blues at the 0.05 significance level.
• Study design and limits: The study used a cross-sectional, consecutive-sampling design at a single hospital and therefore shows an association at one time point but cannot by itself prove that anxiety causes Baby Blues.

Abstract

Background: The postpartum period is a critical phase that can impact a mother's mental health. Baby Blues Syndrome is a common psychological condition among postpartum mothers, characterized by anxiety, mood swings, and emotional instability. One of the main factors influencing its occurrence is the level of postpartum maternal anxiety. Objective: This study aims to analyze

Topics

Adolescent Health and Behaviors Educational Methods and Media Use Methodologies in Health Research and Practice

Categories

Health Information Management Health Professions Health Sciences

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Anxiety Art Art history Blues Medicine Psychiatry Psychology