IJCM_76A: Assessment of quality of life after normal vaginal delivery and caesarean section among mothers at a government tertiary care hospital, Bengaluru - A cross sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Quality of life comprises multifaceted dimensions encompassing physical, emotional, social, and psychological aspects. Assessing quality of life is essential not only for mothers but also for their children, family members, and the community. Understanding the impact of different modes of delivery on women’s well-being is crucial for healthcare providers to offer appropriate support and interventions. Objective: To assess and compare the quality of life after normal vaginal delivery and caesarean section among mothers at a government tertiary care hospital, Bengaluru. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers at a tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru. A pilot study was conducted and sample size was calculated as 200, with 100 participants in each group. Samples were selected using a simple random sampling method, and data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. The Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess the quality of life. The collected data was entered into MS Excel and analyzed using SPSS 21.0 Results: Out of 200 participants, the mean age of the study population was 24.32 ± 5.58 years. Comparison between the vaginal and cesarean groups revealed that the vaginal birth group had higher mean scores in the physical health domain. Factors such as physical functioning, emotional well-being, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities were found to be significantly associated with modes of delivery. Conclusion: Different modes of delivery have their own unique challenges and benefits, this study illuminated distinct differences in quality of life. Normal vaginal delivery was associated with a quicker physical recuperation compared to caesarean section, while caesarean sections demanded a longer recovery period and potential physical limitations.