The Knowledge of Family Health Nurses’ About Psychological Disorders along the Postpartum Time

Abstract

The puerperal psychiatric disorders are characterized as mental changes that may start just few days or weeks after childbirth and manifests as psychotic and non-psychotic imbalances of mood. This paper’s aim is to analyze nurses’ knowledge about psychiatric disorders associated with the postpartum period and interventions necessary to promote health care assistance. This descriptive an exploratory study was carried out with ten nurses from Campina Grande, Paraíba, in 2009. The empirical material was produced from semi-structured interviews and analyzed by content analysis. Results eviudence that nurses have low knowledge about postpartum psychiatric disorders, disregarding the importance of early intervention to minimize damage by the same for the health of mother and baby. We conclude that an update is essential for these professionals so they can have more knowledge on this subject, intervening in the prevention of these disorders and thus strengthening the care process.

Descriptors: Mental Disorders; Postpartum Period; Nursing Care.