The Association Between Behavior Restrictions in Doing-the-Month Practice and Mental Health Status Among Postpartum Women.

OBJECTIVES Doing-the-month practice has been commonly observed by women during the first month after delivery for hundreds of years in several countries of Asia. This retrospective study examined the correlation between these restricted behaviors and mental status in postpartum women. MATERIALS AND METHODS The frequencies of seven restricted behaviors during the first month after delivery and levels of depression, anxiety, and sleep quality were measured in 341 women 4-6 weeks after delivery through self-reported questionnaires. The multivariate linear regression model was used to determine independent behavioral predictors for depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. RESULTS Bathing or showering was an independent predictor of low depression status, low anxiety status (p<0.05), and good sleep quality (p<0.001). Behaviors related to high depression status were touching cold water and squatting (both p<0.05). Squatting was also related to high anxiety status (p<0.01), while exposing oneself to drafts was related to poor sleep quality (p<0.05). CONCLUSION The results indicate that the restrictions on squatting, touching cold water, and exposure to drafts are positively associated with good mental health in postpartum women and are worth preserving; however, the restriction on bathing or showering might negatively impact the mental health of postpartum women and needs further evaluation.