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An Occupation-Based Approach to Postpartum Care: A Pilot Questionnaire

Author

Alexis B. Hawks, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Submission Date

8-8-2023

Document Type

Entry Level Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

First Mentor

Kim Rose, OTD, OTR/L

Abstract

Abstract: This study examined the patterns of responses of postpartum mothers using an online, pilot questionnaire via an online survey. The aim of this study to add to the body of literature on postpartum occupational disruptions and assess the need for occupational therapy intervention as a standard of care following childbirth.

Design: Postpartum mothers (n=113) up to one year following the birth of their baby/babies were recruited via social media to respond to a self-administered survey, the Postpartum Occupational Disruption Questionnaire. Items included statements pertaining to ADLs, health management, and physical disruption. Occupational disruption was classified on a four-point scale to score responses as none, mild, moderate, or severe occupational disruption.

Results: Most notably, postpartum occupational disruption was reported by 97.4% (n=110) of respondents. 41% reported dissatisfaction with their overall health postpartum and 99% agreed that women would benefit from more specialized care during the perinatal period to address daily occupations.

Discussion: The results highlight the substantial disruption that mothers face during their role transition to motherhood. Occupational therapists are well equipped to provide holistic, individualized care to bridge the gap in dysfunction in occupational engagement that mothers experience. These findings demonstrate the need for occupational therapy referral in the standard of care during the postpartum period and psychometrically sound tools to identify mothers at risk for occupational disruption.

NSUWorks Citation

Alexis B. Hawks. 2023. An Occupation-Based Approach to Postpartum Care: A Pilot Questionnaire. Capstone. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, . (105)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_ot_capstone/105.