Does a nurse-led postpartum self-care program for first-time mothers in Bangladesh improve postpartum fatigue, depressive mood, and maternal functioning?: A non-synchronized quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to test the efficacy of a nurse-led postpartum self-care (NLPPSC) intervention at reducing postpartum fatigue (PPF) and depressive mood and promoting maternal functioning among first-time mothers in Bangladesh. Methods: A non-synchronized quasi-experimental design was used. First-time mothers were recruited during postpartum and assigned to the experimental or control group (34 each). The experimental group received the NLPPSC in the hospital, a 1-day intervention that focused on increasing self-efficacy. The control group received usual care. Data on PPF, depressive mood, maternal functioning, self-care behaviors, postpartum self-efficacy, and self-care knowledge were collected at postpartum 2 weeks (attrition 23.5%) and 6 weeks (attrition 16.1%). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate statistics, and linear mixed model analysis. Results: One-third (33.3%) of new mothers experienced depressive mood (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores of ≥13 points). The NLPPSC intervention was statistically significant in decreasing PPF (β=-6.17, SE=1.81, t=-3.39, p