Relationship Between Childbirth Experience and Sexual Function and Sleep Quality in Iranian Postpartum Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The current cross-sectional study analyzed the relationship between childbirth experience and sexual function and sleep quality among women 4 to 5 months postpartum ( N = 216). Data were collected using a sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics questionnaire, and the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire-2, Female Sexual Function Index, and Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale. Mean scores of childbirth experience, sexual function, and sleep quality were 2.6 ( SD = 0.5), 24.3 ( SD = 6.3), and 47.9 ( SD = 8.6), respectively. There were significant correlations between childbirth experience and sleep quality ( r = 0.16, p = 0.017) and sexual function ( r = 0.26, p < 0.001). Results of the general linear model indicated that sexual function (β = 3.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.27, 4.87]) and sleep quality (β = 2.7, 95% CI [0.29, 4.65]) scores increased significantly as the score of childbirth experience increased. Given the direct correlation between childbirth experience and sexual function and sleep quality in postpartum women, implementation of specific programs, such as childbirth preparation classes, is recommended to improve childbirth experience to prevent negative consequences, such as sexual dysfunction and impaired sleep quality. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60 (12), 49–55.]