The association between maternal self-confidence and functional status in primiparous women during postpartum period, 2015-2016

Abstract

Objectives: Transition to motherhood, is a challenging and stressful process in postpartum period as the women not only face new tasks associated with the maternal role but also the dramatic changes in their bodies. This study was performed with the aim to determine the relationship between maternal self-confidence and functional status in postpartum period. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 136 primiparous women at 2 weeks postpartum who were referred to 25 health centers of Tabriz, from December 2015 to April 2016. Data were collected using the socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire, Lips Maternal Self-confidence Score (LMSCS) and Inventory of Functional Status After Childbirth (IFSAC). The statistical tests including Pearson correlation, independent sample t test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and general linear model were used for data analysis through SPSS v. 21. The significance level was considered as P < 0.05. Results: The mean (SD) of total functional status scores was 2.2 ± 0.4, with achievable scores ranging from 1 to 4 and maternal self-confidence scores was 105.6 ± 11.2, with achievable scores ranging from 24 to 144. Between functional status and maternal self-confidence there was significantly positive and strong correlations (P = 0.001, r = 0.271). Conclusion: The results show that maternal self-confidence has a positive effect on functional status in postpartum period and increased self-confidence leads to improved functional status.