Emotional Disorders, Risk Factors, and Correlations of Post-Partum Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with Sexual Function During Post-Partum Period

Background: This study aimed to investigate the presence of emotional disorders, the risk factors associated with these disorders, and the level of sexual function observed after childbirth. Additionally, the study aimed to explore how sexual function affects post-partum depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as how these emotional disorders, in turn, impact sexual function. Methodology: A total of 336 women participated in the study, who were asked to complete four questionnaires: a general women's personal information questionnaire, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the PTSD Scale (PCL-5), and the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI). Results: The results showed that 33% of mothers scored on the EPDS above 14 points, which was considered a threshold value for the prognosis of post-partum depression. In addition, the women scored an average of 20.8 points on the FSFI, and thus, their level of sexual functioning was characterized as moderate. According to the total score of the PCL-5 scale, it was observed that 17.6% of the mothers show post-traumatic stress after childbirth and satisfy all four criteria of this scale. Lastly, multiple regression analysis showed that factors such as annual family income and negative body image had a significant contribution to the models. Conclusions: Finally, it was observed that reduced sexual functionality in women is linked to post-partum depression and post-traumatic stress after childbirth. In conclusion, our research emphasizes the need for further exploration of the psychological and emotional challenges women face during the puerperium, which can negatively affect sexual health.