Factors Influencing Maternal Readiness for Hospital Discharge: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: To assess mainland Chinese mothers' readiness for hospital discharge and related factors after childbirth. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods: Convenience sampling was employed to select women who gave birth at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a tertiary hospital in Shenzhen, China, between May 2024 and February 2025. Maternal readiness for hospital discharge was evaluated using the Chinese version of the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Study-New Mother Form. Data were analysed using an independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The study included 308 mothers aged 20–41 years (31.15 ± 4.14). The total readiness score for hospital discharge was in the range of 54–180 (132.17 ± 22.59). The ‘delivery’ dimension in the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale-New Mother Form and the ‘lifestyle and behavior’ and ‘basic skills’ dimensions in the Perinatal Maternal Health Literacy Scale were independent factors influencing readiness for hospital discharge (p < 0.05) among mothers after childbirth. Conclusions: Maternal readiness for hospital discharge must be enhanced. This could be done by improving the quality of discharge teaching and maternal health literacy. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution.