The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Postpartum Depression in Predicting Mothers’ Satisfaction with Quality of Co-Operation with Obstetricians and Midwives

Abstract

Background: pregnancy is associated with numerous physical, physiological and endocrinological changes, with an immediate impact on the psychological status of women, during pregnancy and postpartum period. Postpartum depression is the most common psychological disorder that negatively affects any activity that a pregnant woman has to deal with, possibly the perceived quality of the perinatal healthcare services provided as well. The association of emotional intelligence with satisfaction and perceived quality of perinatal healthcare services is an area in which great interest has been attributed internationally.Aim:The aim of this study was to explore the impact of postpartum depression and emotional intelligence on women's satisfaction with perinatal healthcare services and perceived quality of the cooperation between women and obstetrician/midwife.Sample and methods: An anonymous and self-administered questionnaire that included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Wong Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) has been distributed to a sample of 543 women while they were at the outpatient waiting room to have their regular postpartum assessment, six weeks following their delivery.Results: postpartum depression's prevalence in our sample reaches 28%. Women's labour experience is perceived to be worse in women with postpartum depression, as well as perceived quality of cooperation with the obstetricians and midwives. Furthermore, women with post-partum depression, record lower levels of emotional intelligence. It was found that EPDS score predicts satisfaction with quality of midwives' services in the sample of women who have delivered (either by caesarean section or normally), while WLEIS and ROE scores predict satisfaction with quality of obstetricians' services. In the sample of women who delivered their child by caesarean section EPDS and WLEIS score predict satisfaction with quality of obstetricians' services.Conclusion: Post-partum depression and emotional intelligence are major components of mothers' satisfaction with the quality of co-operation with obstetricians and midwives.