Functioning and depression in the subacute and delayed postpartum periods: a longitudinal study

Introduction: The postpartum is a complex moment in the women's life that comes with several body modifications and complaints. Besides, it is important to know how these changes are associated with the functioning of women. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate functioning and depression in women in the subacute and delayed postpartum periods, and to know the variables associated with negative outcomes. Methods: A longitudinal prospective study was carried out with puerperal women, assessed in the subacute and delayed postpartum. Socio-demographic and obstetric data were obtained. The WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) assess the disability and depression, respectively. Linear regressions were used to assess the association of variables. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: The occurrence of depression and mild disability was 25% and >89% at both times evaluated, respectively. The disability score was correlated with the number of pregnancies (β = -3.56; CI 95%: -6.49 to -0.63) and number of previous births (β = -1.49; CI 95%: -2.71 to -0.28) in the delayed postpartum period and was only correlated with the depression in the delayed postpartum period (β = 5.14; CI 95%: 1.37 to 8.91). Conclusion: There is a considerable occurrence of disability and depression in the sample, and it is suggested that the evaluation of these outcomes be included in physiotherapeutic protocols for puerperal women.