Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2021.342

MATERNITY BLUES AMONG CROATIAN MOTHERS – A SINGLE-CENTER STUDY

Mislav Mikuš ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia ; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Bernarda Škegro ; Department of Rheumatology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
Vesna Sokol Karadjole ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia ; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Joško Lešin ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia ; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Vladimir Banović ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia ; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Mislav Herman ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia ; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Trpimir Goluža ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia ; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Tomislav Puževski ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia ; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Vesna Elveđi-Gašparović ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia ; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Goran Vujić ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia ; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Background: Maternity blues is a transient change of mood that occurs within the first few days after delivery. Some of the most
common symptoms include mood swings, tearfulness, irritability, loss of appetite, fatigue. The aim of the study was to investigate the
relationship between maternity blues, psychological, demographic and obstetrics risk factors.
Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2019 and February 2020 at the University
Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia. Final analysis included 227 mothers. Participants were assessed with Stein's Maternity Blues
Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Support (MSPSS) and Brennan's
Experiences in Close Relationship Scale, as well as demographic and obstetric data.
Results: The prevalence of maternity blues in our study was 19.9%. Higher result on Stein's Maternity Blues Scale was
associated with anxious attachment style (r=0.425, p<0.01), oxytocin (r=0.308, p<0.01), lower birth weight (r=-0.242), lower
resilience (r=-0.252) and less perceived social support from family and significant other (p<0.01).
Conclusions: This report presents the very first study assessing maternity blues occurence among Croatian mothers and in
Croatian cultural environment. We believe that our report will address importance of employing adequate screening methods in
preventing and timely recognizing maternity blues and subsequent postpartum depression in Croatian population.

Keywords

maternity blues; postpartum depression; Stein scale

Hrčak ID:

266019

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/266019

Publication date:

22.11.2021.

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