Relationship between obstetric violence perception and postpartum depression indicators in public hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnant women require a higher degree of special protection and support because various factors place them in a vulnerable situation. Women who experience obstetric violence are at a greater risk of developing postpartum depression, which can negatively impact the psycho-physical health of both the mother and the unborn child. Objective: To identify the relationship between the perception of obstetric violence and indicators of postpartum depression in women receiving care at a public hospital. Materials and Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational, non-experimental, and prospective study utilized non-probabilistic intentional sampling. It involved a sample of 132 women in both the immediate and late postpartum periods and took place at a public hospital in Aguascalientes from October 2023 to January 2024. The instruments used were “Obstetric Violence: User Perception” and the “Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale”, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.81 and 0.83, respectively. Results: The average age was 25 years; 64.7% perceived general obstetric violence, with nursing staff identified as the primary aggressors. Additionally, 34.1% of the women showed indicators of postpartum depression. The study found no relationship between the perception of obstetric violence and indicators of postpartum depression (Spearman’s Rho 0.157, P=0.072). Conclusion: Even though both variables are not related, they represent a violation of women’s dignity, autonomy, and integrity. It is necessary to establish measures to protect women’s mental health by promoting their well-being, thereby reducing the probability of developing postpartum depression.

Recepción: 15/05/2025

Aprobación: 06/06/2025