[ effect of assertiveness on postpartum depression]

ABSTRACT

Postpartum depression endangers mother's health and has negative effect on her social communication and infant development. Assertiveness is a part of life skills that improve depression. Therefore, this study was done aiming at determining the effect of assertiveness on postpartum depression. This Study was a semi-experimental, witch was accomplished in Fateme Zahra hospital in Najafabad. 60 samples were selected from mothers with 4-8 weeks after delivery through convenience method and then divided into 2groups randomly. Case group intervention was accomplished. Depression in both groups before and 1 month after intervention was measured by Beck questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed by statistical tests, paired- T, independent T, X2 and P depression score before intervention [32.7 +/- 7.1] and after it [21.8 +/- 6.7] showed a significant decrease in the case group [P<0.001]. comparison of mean depression between the case [21.8 +/- 6.7] and control group [31.7 +/- 6] after the intervention revealed a significant difference [P=0.01], while there was no significant difference between them before the intervention [P=0.4]. Mean depression rate in the control group before the intervention [31.2 +/- 5.4] and after it [31.7 +/- 6] did not show a significant difference [P=0.51]. According to the results of this study and considering negative effect of postpartum depression on family function, more attention should be given to this disorder