The Influence of Health Care from Health Professionals on Maternal Mental Health

Abstract

As maternal mental health is related to postpartum depression; it is essential to reduce anxiety in pregnant women. However, little information is available on the health care effect provided by health professionals on maternal mental health. This study aimed to investigate the health care provided by health professionals during check-ups and its influence on maternal mental health in Japan. This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were 105 first-time mothers with a gestational age of 20 to 27 weeks. Data on participants' demographics, healthcare services received, participants' understanding of health care were collected, and mental health was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Form JYZ, and Prenatal Attachment Inventory. Results reveal that women who understood their physical condition and fetal conditions were less likely to experience state anxiety than those who did not (p