Mental disorder in the puerperal period: risks and coping mechanisms for health promotion

• Published in: Revista de pesquisa, cuidado é fundamental Vol. 11; no. 4; pp. 1096 - 1102
• Main Authors: Maciel, Luciana Pessoa, Costa, Jackline Carvalho Carneiro, Campos, Gescianne Mychelle Benigno, dos Santos, Nadja Maria, de Melo, Rosana Alves, Diniz, Lucyo Flávio Bezerra
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rio de Janeiro Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem 01-07-2019
• Subjects: Coping; Health behavior; Health promotion; Health risk assessment; Mental disorders; Pregnancy; Sociodemographics; Womens health; Brazil
• ISSN: 2175-5361
• DOI: 10.9789/2175-5361.2019.v11i4.1096-1102

Objective: The study’s aim was to understand the risks and coping mechanisms presented by puerperal women in the face of postpartum mental disorders. Methods: It is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach that was carried out with twelve puerperal women, in the age group from 16 to 35 years old, who underwent prenatal care at the Multiprofessional Specialized Care Unit in Petrolina city, Pernambuco State. The investigation took place during semi-structured interviews and the observation of contents implicit in the behavior of these women. Data collection was performed in November and December of 2016. Results: Based on the data obtained, it was identified that factors such as early or unplanned pregnancy, lack of support from the partner, family instability, and low socioeconomic conditions may contribute as facilitating agents in the emergence of some mental disorder in the puerperal women. Conclusion: Considering that chronic disorders are common during the puerperium, the earlier the risk factors are detected, the better care may be given to the woman.