Partner support and life satisfaction as predictors of postpartum quality of life among Iranian women

The postpartum period is a critical period in terms of experiencing various physical, psychological, and social changes, all of which can affect maternal quality of life. The main aim of the study was to investigate maternal postpartum quality of life and its predictors among Iranian women. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 211 Iranian women (mean age = 28.29 years) within six months postpartum. They were recruited via cluster random sampling from five urban health centers in Qazvin (October 2021–February 2022). Participants completed validated Persian versions of the Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life Questionnaire (MAPP-QOLQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Postpartum Partner Support Scale (PPSS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and Visual Fatigue Scale (VFS). Univariable and multivariable linear regression (stepwise method) identified predictors of postpartum QoL. The mean score on the MAPP-QOLQ items was 4.62 out of 6 (SD = 0.82) with highest scores on the relational/spouse-partner subscale (4.81) and lowest on the health/functioning subscale (4.57). The multivariable regression analysis showed that postpartum quality of life was positively predicted by life satisfaction (β = 0.310, p < 0.001), postpartum partner social support (β = 0.276, p < 0.001), and maternal age (β = 0.242, p < 0.001), and negatively predicted by postpartum depression (β = -0.218, p < 0.001), poor sleep quality (β = -0.150, p = 0.003), spouse age (β = -0.142, p = 0.029), neonatal admission at birth (β = -0.121, p = 0.001), and maternal employment status (β = -0.119, p = 0.006). Non-significant predictors were fatigue (β = -0.021, p = 0.634), gestational week at birth (β = 0.022, p = 0.575), fair economic status (β = 0.119, p = 0.066), and good economic status (β = 0.110, p = 0.107). The model explained 74% of variance (R²=0.74) in postpartum QoL. Targeted interventions should prioritize enhancing life satisfaction and postpartum partner support because they were the strongest positive predictors of maternal QoL, while addressing modifiable risk factors such as depression and poor sleep quality. Culturally adapted programs, including couples-based counseling and structured mental health support are recommended with special attention to employed mothers, mothers experiencing neonatal hospitalization, and those who have older spouses.