Postpartum Quality of Life among Women after Vaginal Birth and Cesarean Section

Abstract

Context: Quality of life is a broad multidimensional and dynamic concept. It influences the performance of the individual in physical, social, and spiritual aspects of life. Despite the postpartum period is accompanied by many physical, emotional, and social changes in women's health, it is often a neglected aspect of women's health care.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the postpartum quality of life among mothers regardless of their delivery mode and to assess the difference in the quality of life at the various mode of delivery.

Methods:  A descriptive exploratory cross-sectional study employed to achieve the aim of this study. A structured interview questionnaire and postpartum quality of life scale that include assessment of four health-related domains that were child care, physical, psychological, and social functioning were used to achieve the aims of this study.

Results: The study revealed a fair and a good level of quality of life among most of the studied women regardless of their mode of delivery. The quality of life subscales' assessment revealed a non-statistically significant difference between women in various delivery modes in the domains of child care and physical functioning. While statistically significant differences revealed between all groups regarding their physical and social functioning.

Conclusion: The study did not show a clear-cut benefit in favor of any modes of delivery in respect of postpartum life quality, and the research hypothesis is not fully supported. The study recommended further a longitudinal study to understand the magnitude, trajectory and underpinning mechanisms of health-related quality of life outcomes following different modes of delivery.