The Journal of

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sexual desire, and intimacy with the depression symptoms and marital satisfaction in 3 month- 2 year postpartum women in Mahshahr.

Methods In this correlational cross-sectional study, 107 women participated who referred to health centers of Mahshahr (Iran) with their babies aged three months to two years. The study sample was selected via convenience sampling method, who were required to complete the libido (SIDI), intimacy (PAIR), depression (CES-D) questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation and multivariate regression.

Results: As the study results indicated, a negative relationship was detected between intimacy and sexuality with the depressive symptoms (P≤0.01), whereas a positive relationship was observed between intimacy and sexual and marital satisfaction (P≤0.01). In addition, intimacy and sexuality variables were proved to be significant predictors for postpartum depression symptoms and marital satisfaction obtained after delivery. Depression symptoms explained 62% of the variation, and marital satisfaction explained 63% of depression symptoms.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study demonstrated that after birth when childbirth creates some changes in the lives of couples, and women's marital satisfaction and emotional mood may be affected, couples can use intimacy and sexuality in order to predict depression and marital satisfaction.