COMPARISON OF FACIT SCORE RESULTS APPLIED TO LOW-RISK POSTPARTUM WOMEN

Abstract

This article aimed to compare fatigue levels and depressive symptoms in the immediate postpartum period among women undergoing vaginal delivery or cesarean section. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 low- or intermediate-risk postpartum women treated at Complexo Hospitalar do Trabalhador, Curitiba, Brazil, between June and September 2024. Fatigue was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F), and depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Among participants, 59% had vaginal delivery and 41% cesarean section. The cesarean group had a lower mean FACIT-F score, indicating greater fatigue (27.63 versus 37.57; p<0.001), and a higher mean PHQ-9 score (11.22 versus 8.23; p=0.013). Delivery duration was inversely associated with FACIT-F score (coefficient=-0.009; p=0.029), and PHQ-9 and FACIT-F were negatively correlated (r=-0.627; p<0.001). Cesarean delivery was associated with greater fatigue and more intense depressive symptoms in the immediate postpartum period, supporting integrated clinical and psychosocial follow-up.