Maternal Predictors for Quality of Life during the Postpartum in Brazilian Mothers

Abstract

Introduction: The postpartum period can have a significant physical, emotional, and social impact on the quality of a woman’s life. Most postpartum research has focused on physical complications and only a few studies have specifically investigated quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore predictors affecting the quality of life of postpartum Brazilian mothers. Study Design and Methods: A cross-sectional Quality of Life survey was performed in 210 Brazilian mothers during the early postpartum period. Data were collected using an interview technique and two instruments: 1) a maternal questionnaire and the 2) Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life tool/Brazilian version. The association between maternal characteristics and quality of life in the post-partum period was investigated with bivariate and multivariable analyses. Results: Mothers who had the best Quality of Life were white, registered students, 30 - 40 years of age, who were married or living with a partner, and without physical complaints; in addition, they had at least an 8th grade education, more than 4 children, and had attended more than 8 prenatal visits with a nurse. The stepwise model indicated that white race (p < 0.05) and married or living with a partner (p < 0.05) were the best predictors of Quality of Life in postpartum women. Conclusions and Clinical Implications: Marital status and race conditions may predict quality of life in postpartum Brazilian mothers. In addition, improved knowledge concerning the postpartum, maternal experience may help develop health interventions to enhance the quality of life of this population.