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September 10, 2025Open Access

Assessment of the Prevalence of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms, Life Satisfaction and Quality of Life Among Women in the Maternity Ward with the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Key Points

Anxiety symptoms were reported by 11.9% of postpartum women, and depressive symptoms by 7.3%, implying a significant mental health burden.
The study identified a relationship between quality of life and self-assessment of health, with increasing health leading to decreased anxiety disorders.
Women who gave birth by cesarean section reported poorer quality of life, with an odds ratio of 1.28, indicating higher risk for mental health issues.
Findings suggest a need for increased access to psychological care during postpartum, especially for women with cesarean deliveries.

Abstract

Background: The postpartum period may predispose to a higher prevalence of mental health disorders. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, and quality of life in breastfeeding women in the maternity ward in relation to specific medical and social factors. Methods: The study group consisted of 304 female patients from the maternity ward of the Multispecialist District Hospital in Tarnowskie Góry, Poland. The research tool included four questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Euro-Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results: The majority of women in the maternity ward reported good psychological well-being. Anxiety symptoms affected 11.9% of postpartum women, depressive symptoms—7.3%, and symptoms of postpartum depression—5.9%. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an increase in anxiety and depressive disorders (relative differences-expressed as a percentage). Women who gave birth by cesarean section were more likely to declare problems that negatively impacted their quality of life and health than those who gave birth naturally (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.77–2.11). The risk of experiencing anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as postpartum depression symptoms decreased as self-rated health increased (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94–0.99; OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94–0.99; OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.98, respectively). Higher level of life satisfaction was associated with higher levels of education and economic status, attendance at childbirth classes, and a higher self-assessment of health (OR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.6–10.51; OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.41–6.24; OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.13–3.49; OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04, respectively). Conclusions: Screening for mental disorders during the postpartum period enables the early identification of symptoms and the implementation of appropriate treatment. Women who give birth by cesarean section and have medical complaints should be given special follow-up care. Health policy should ensure wider access to psychological and psychiatric care during the postpartum period.

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