Factors Other Than Demographics That Affect the Quality of Life of Post Partum Mothers

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 100 views

Scoring Quality of Life of Post Partum Mother Based on Mother's Demographic Factors Measured by the Short Form-36 Questionnaire

Introduction

The quality of life of post partum mothers is a crucial aspect of their overall well-being, and various factors can influence it. Demographic factors, such as age, education, and income, are often considered to be significant predictors of quality of life. However, the relationship between demographic factors and quality of life in post partum mothers is not well understood. This study aims to investigate the effect of maternal demographic factors on the quality of life of post partum mothers measured by the Short Form-36 questionnaire.

Methodology

This study employed a cross-sectional approach, involving 66 mothers who gave birth either spontaneously vaginally or by cesarean section. The participants were selected based on established inclusion and exclusion criteria, and measurements were made on the second day after delivery. The Short Form-36 questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life of post partum mothers.

Results

The results of this study showed that demographic characteristics such as age, education, and income did not have a significant effect on the quality score of post partum mothers' life. Most participants were aged between 20-35 years, had a high school education, and earned between 1-2 million rupiah per month. However, the study found a significant correlation between the type of labor and the quality score of life. Post partum mothers who gave birth by cesarean section had lower quality scores compared to those who gave birth spontaneously vaginally.

Factors Other Than Demographics That Affect the Quality of Life of Post Partum Mothers

Although demographic factors did not show a significant effect on the quality of life of post partum mothers, this study found that clinical problems that accompany labor can affect the quality score of life. The findings suggest that the quality of life of post partum mothers is influenced by factors that are more complex than demographic. Several factors that need to be considered include:

Preparation and Knowledge

Mothers who have adequate knowledge about childbirth, recovery, and care of infants tend to have a higher quality life score. This highlights the importance of providing comprehensive information to post partum mothers about their health and well-being.

Social Support

Support from partners, family, and friends can help mothers in overcoming post partum challenges and improving the quality of life. This emphasizes the need for social support programs for post partum mothers.

Physical and Emotional Condition

Pain, fatigue, and hormonal changes can affect the quality of life of post partum mothers. This underscores the importance of providing adequate care and support to post partum mothers to help them manage these physical and emotional challenges.

Role Adjustment

Mother needs time to adjust to a new role as a mother, and this can affect the quality of life. This highlights the need for post partum mothers to have time and support to adjust to their new role.

Recommendation

Based on the findings of this study, it is essential to improve the quality of life of post partum mothers through:

Educational Program

Provides comprehensive information about childbirth, recovery, and baby care. This can help post partum mothers make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Increasing Access to Health Services

Ensuring easy and affordable access to health services, including counseling and psychological support. This can help post partum mothers access the care and support they need to manage their physical and emotional challenges.

Increasing Social Support

Facilitating social support programs for post partum mothers, such as support groups or routine meetings. This can help post partum mothers connect with others who are going through similar experiences and provide them with emotional support and guidance.

Conclusion

This study provides important information about the factors that affect the quality of life of post partum mothers. Although demographic factors did not show a significant effect, the type of labor and clinical problems that accompany labor have an important role in determining the quality score of life. Therefore, comprehensive efforts are needed to improve the quality of life of post partum mothers by taking into account the factors mentioned above.

Limitations

This study had several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a cross-sectional approach. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and use a longitudinal approach to investigate the effect of demographic factors on the quality of life of post partum mothers over time.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to investigate the effect of other factors, such as partner support and social support, on the quality of life of post partum mothers. Additionally, studies should aim to develop and evaluate interventions that can improve the quality of life of post partum mothers.

References

[1] Short Form-36 Questionnaire. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sf-36.org/
[2] World Health Organization. (2018). Maternal and Perinatal Health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-and-perinatal-health
[3] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Postpartum Care. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/01/postpartum-care

Note: The references provided are for illustrative purposes only and are not actual references used in the study.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Scoring Quality of Life of Post Partum Mother Based on Mother's Demographic Factors Measured by the Short Form-36 Questionnaire

Q: What is the Short Form-36 questionnaire?

A: The Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire is a widely used instrument to measure the quality of life of individuals. It consists of 36 items that assess eight domains of health: physical functioning, social functioning, role limitations due to physical health, role limitations due to emotional health, mental health, energy/vitality, pain, and general health.

Q: What are the demographic factors that affect the quality of life of post partum mothers?

A: The demographic factors that were investigated in this study include age, education, and income. However, the results showed that these factors did not have a significant effect on the quality score of post partum mothers' life.

Q: What is the relationship between the type of labor and the quality score of life?

A: The study found a significant correlation between the type of labor and the quality score of life. Post partum mothers who gave birth by cesarean section had lower quality scores compared to those who gave birth spontaneously vaginally.

Q: What are the factors other than demographics that affect the quality of life of post partum mothers?

A: The study found that clinical problems that accompany labor can affect the quality score of life. Additionally, factors such as preparation and knowledge, social support, physical and emotional condition, and role adjustment can also affect the quality of life of post partum mothers.

Q: What is the importance of preparation and knowledge in improving the quality of life of post partum mothers?

A: Preparation and knowledge are essential in improving the quality of life of post partum mothers. Mothers who have adequate knowledge about childbirth, recovery, and care of infants tend to have a higher quality life score.

Q: What is the role of social support in improving the quality of life of post partum mothers?

A: Social support is crucial in improving the quality of life of post partum mothers. Support from partners, family, and friends can help mothers in overcoming post partum challenges and improving the quality of life.

Q: What are the physical and emotional challenges that post partum mothers may face?

A: Post partum mothers may face physical and emotional challenges such as pain, fatigue, and hormonal changes. These challenges can affect the quality of life of post partum mothers.

Q: How can post partum mothers adjust to their new role as a mother?

A: Post partum mothers need time to adjust to their new role as a mother. This can be achieved through support from partners, family, and friends, as well as through self-care and relaxation techniques.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving the quality of life of post partum mothers?

A: The study recommends improving the quality of life of post partum mothers through educational programs, increasing access to health services, and increasing social support.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study had several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a cross-sectional approach. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and use a longitudinal approach to investigate the effect of demographic factors on the quality of life of post partum mothers over time.

Q: What are the future directions for research on the quality of life of post partum mothers?

A: Future studies should aim to investigate the effect of other factors, such as partner support and social support, on the quality of life of post partum mothers. Additionally, studies should aim to develop and evaluate interventions that can improve the quality of life of post partum mothers.

Q: What are the implications of this study for healthcare providers and policymakers?

A: The study highlights the importance of providing comprehensive care and support to post partum mothers. Healthcare providers and policymakers should prioritize the development of educational programs, increasing access to health services, and increasing social support to improve the quality of life of post partum mothers.