The Effect of Psychological Factors on the Quality of Life in Iranian Lactating Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Path Analysis

Background: breastfeeding women are susceptible to mental disorders particularly during outbreaks of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. In this study we develop a conceptual model considering the interrelated role of anxiety, depression, general health, breastfeeding, education, income, and corona disease anxiety on the QoL of breastfeeding women. Method: In a descriptive-analytical study, 279 breastfeeding women were recruited from March to April 2020. Data were collected using a socio-demographic checklist, short Form of Health Survey (SF_12), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS). Results: : The overall goodness-of-fit statistics showed that the conceptual model was acceptable (GFI =0.99, RMSEA =0.06). Results showed that breast-feeding, GHQ, anxiety, depression, and education have a direct effect on women’s QoL. We found significant total mediating effects of GH and breastfeeding and moderating effects of education and income on quality of life. Income had indirectly effect on QOL through the education. Conclusion: Our results give support for a hypothetical model in which improvement in breastfeeding, anxiety, depression, general health, education, and income led to higher levels of QoL in breastfeeding women. It seems that the predictors proposed by this model are greatly important and should be considered when designing optimal psychological care interventions.