Polish Journal of Public Health

Original Article, Pol J Public Health 2018;128(1): 5-8

Iwona Lisowska¹, Magdalena Lewicka², Magdalena Sulima²,
Weronika Topyła³, Dominik Ruta³, Artur Wdowiak³

¹ A graduate of obstetrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
² Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrical-Gynaecological Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
³ Diagnostic Techniques Unit, Medical University of Lublin, Poland

10.2478/pjph-2018-0001

© 2018 Medical University of Lublin. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonComercial-No Derivs licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/)

Abstract

Introduction. It is well known that the period of maternity commencing from conception is accompanied by great emotions. Each stage is associated with specific behavior as well as the anxiety. The postpartum period is particularly exposed to stress and the ability to overcome it is very important, therefore the support of the loved ones is necessary. 
Aim. Assessment of the severity of the stress levels of women in childbirth.
Material and methods. The research was conducted among 178 women during the postpartum period. The methods of diagnostic survey and own questionnaires were used, as well as PSS-10 standardized tool. 
Results. The study involved 178 women during the postpartum period. Interpretation of results for the level of stent PSS-10 showed low results – 23.6%, average – 32.6%, high – 43.8% due to a high stress level. Statistically significant factors are: marital status - married women experience lower stress levels, socioeconomic status – the higher socioeconomic status, the test group felt lower stress, birth time – there is a significant difference between women giving birth before 37 weeks and those giving birth in right term. Particular age group, place of residence, education, the number of births and the way of birth are not factors that differentiate levels of perceived stress of women in childbirth.

Conclusions. Perinatal period is a time of dynamic changes characterized by high levels of stress. Age, place of residence, education, number of births and way of birth do not affect the level of stress, whereas marital status, socioeconomic situation and the date of birth determine stress levels for women.

Keywords: childbirth, stress, education.