Factors associated with maternal birth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in Brazil: The birth in Brazil national research study.

INTRODUCTION

A traumatic childbirth can lead some women to develop birth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), an emotional stress response associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to identify factors associated with maternal birth-related PTSS in Brazil.

METHOD: Birth in Brazil I is a perinatal cohort study conducted between 2011 and 2012 with a nationally representative sample of 23,894 women. The first interview was conducted in the maternity ward, followed by two telephone interviews at 6 months and 18 months postpartum. PTSS was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale (IES). Associations between maternal sociodemographic characteristics, individual and obstetric factors and birth-related PTSS were analyzed using Zero-Inflated Poisson models.

RESULTS

Maternal sociodemographic factors (geographic region, maternal age, years of schooling, and type of healthcare service), individual factors (postpartum depression symptoms), and obstetric factors (presence of a companion during birth, type of birth, obstetric emergencies during pregnancy and childbirth, newborn conditions, the use of non-pharmacological pain relief methods, poor quality of care, absence of respectful caregivers, lack of privacy, unclear information, being excluded from decision-making, and physical obstetric violence) were associated with birth-related PTSS.

DISCUSSION/

CONCLUSION

Sociodemographic, individual, and obstetric factors may affect the development of birth-related PTSS. A positive childbirth experience plays a key role in prevention, suggesting that improving the quality of childbirth care can reduce the risk of PTSS. These findings enhance understanding of birth-related PTSS and can support public policies aimed at prevention. Further research is needed to examine additional factors and their interactions with PTSS.