Does the mode of delivery affect the health-related quality of life? A comparative analysis

Abstract

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of postpartum mothers is a multidimensional concept and is relatively neglected in both researches and in practice as most postpartum researches have focused on the physical complications. In line with the global trends, India has witnessed a sharp rise in cesarean section (CS) deliveries and has become a global concern for the health of the mother as well as her quality of life. Objectives: This study was conducted to analyze and compare the HRQoL after normal vaginal delivery and CS in the postpartum women. Methods: It was a community-based cross-sectional study and a predesigned, pretested interview schedule was used in the form of a questionnaire including the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 Health Survey for HRQoL. The study was conducted in a resettlement colony, Kalyanpuri located in Delhi, India with a total population of 25,754 with 4596 eligible couples in 4302 households from November 2018 to March 2020. The study participants comprised of a sample size of 330 post-partum women and the data were collected in the 6th week of post-partum period. Results: In our study, there were statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences with mode of delivery as one of the predictors of HRQoL of postpartum mothers. The study subjects with vaginal delivery had higher mean HRQoL score under all the domains. Conclusion: In CS, reduced physical activity, body pain not only affected the mental health domain score but also significantly impacted the emotional domain. Promoting the use of family planning services is also significant in improving maternal health and should be made a provision of quality of care and strengthening of quality improvement and sustainable quality assurance mechanisms are major problem-solving steps in improving access to healthcare.