Adjustment disorder resulting from childbirth: evaluation of signs and symptoms in postpartum women

Abstract

This is an analytical cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the presence of signs and symptoms of Adjustment Disorder in postpartum women in a public maternity hospital in Recife, as well as to discuss factors related to this disorder. Data were collected using two instruments: one for sociodemographic information and the Impact of Events Scale. Of the 151 women in the postpartum surveyed in this study, 12 (7.94%) scored positive for signs and symptoms of Adjustment Disorder resulting from childbirth. These signs and symptoms were chiefly associated with feelings of sadness and disinterest in life prior to delivery, undesired route of delivery, absence of companion during delivery, unplanned or minimally planned pregnancy, cesarean section or vaginal delivery with episiotomy as the current form of childbirth and quality of care provided by the medical professional. It was found that the use of Impact of Events Scale can help screen, monitor and support postpartum women with signs of Adjustment Disorder.