title: Health after childbirth: patterns of reported postpartum morbidity from Lebanon.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The postpartum period is under-researched in low and middle income countries. The scarce literature reveals heavy burden of ill health experienced in that period and under utilisation of health services. Understanding the postpartum morbidity burden and identifying the care-seeking behaviours is essential to improve service delivery.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This paper examines reported postpartum morbidity, care seeking behaviour and whether postpartum morbidity is associated with method of birth.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross sectional study of women delivering in 18 private hospitals from two regions in Lebanon was undertaken. Women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy, visiting private obstetric clinics affiliated with participating hospitals were interviewed for baseline information. Reported postpartum morbidity was assessed in an interview conducted at women's homes from 40 days up to six months postpartum.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 269 women recruited, physical postpartum health problems were reported by 93.6% and psychological health problems by 84.4% of women, with more health problems being reported beyond two months postpartum. Women were less likely to seek professional care for psychological health problems. Reporting postpartum health problems was not associated with method of birth.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A heavy burden of postpartum morbidity is experienced by women with gaps in utilisation of relevant health services. Efforts should be directed towards the organisation and delivery of comprehensive maternity care services.
authors.affiliation: Health Promotion and Community Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. Electronic address: tk00@aub.edu.lb.
authors.forename: Tamar
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kabakian-Khasholian
authors.affiliation: Health Promotion and Community Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Rawan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shayboub
authors.affiliation: Health Promotion and Community Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ataya
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016304:Hospitals, Private / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D009017:Morbidity; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011181:Postnatal Care; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Care seeking; Lebanon; Maternal health; Postpartum health; Postpartum morbidity