Correlation between kind of cesarean section and posttraumatic stress disorder in greek women

Abstract

A birth experience with cesarean section (CS) can be a cause of the development of post-traumatic stress disorder after a cesarean (PTSD-AC) or profile PTSD, for a percentage of women. So far, there is no data on the frequency of PTSD-AC in Greece and this syndrome is often associated with other mental disorders of the postpartum period. The purpose of this research is to associate the kind of CS with PTSD-AC for Greek mothers and the combination of factors that make them less resistant to trauma. A sample of ahundred and sixty-six mothers who gave birth with emergency cesarean section (EMCS) and elective cesarean section (ELCS) at a Greek University hospital have consented to participate in the two phases of the survey, in the 2nd day postpartum and a follow-up in the 6th week postpartum. Medical/demographic data and a life events checklist (LEC-5) with Criterion A and post-traumatic stress checklist (PCL-5) were used to diagnose PTSD and PTSD Profile. Out of166 mothers enrolled, 160 replied to the follow-up (96.4%), ELCS 97 (97%) and EMCS 63 (95%). Twenty (31.7%) EMCS had PTSD and nine (14.3%) had Profile. One (1%) ELCS had PTSD and 4 (4.1%) had Profile. This survey shows a high prevalence rate of PTSD after EMCS with additional risk factors of preterm labor, inclusion in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a lack of breastfeeding, and a lack of support from the partner.