Patterns and Predictors of Quality of Life (QoL) Among Postnatal Women: Findings from a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

ABSTRACT Postnatal period, encompassing six weeks following childbirth is crucial for both the mother and the baby. A woman's postnatal well-being is influenced by physical health, mental well-being, social relationships, environmental conditions, and self-esteem. This study seeks to determine the pattern and determinants of Quality of Life (QoL), among women attending postnatal clinic in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional design using simple random sampling method was adopted. The study was conducted at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Ondo between January and October 2023. Statistical significance was considered at a p-value less than 0.05. The QoL assessment showed that 81.2% of the respondents reported good physical health, 87.1% had stable psychological health, 90.6% had strong social well-being, and 82.4% had general satisfaction with their environment. Overall, the data showed positive trends in physical, psychological, social, and environmental well-being. The study found that respondents with vaginal delivery had a higher odd of above average quality of life, which was 14 times higher than those with Caesarean or instrumental delivery. (OR 14.206, p= 0.002) Additionally, the odds of above average quality of life increased by 1.644 points per unit increase in self-esteem. (OR 1.644, p <0.001). However, those who didn't plan their pregnancy had a lower odd of above average quality of life, which was 0.165 times lower than those who planned their pregnancy. (OR= 0.165, p=0.010). The majority of respondents reported above-average QoL, with significant correlations found between various domains, with self-esteem, vaginal delivery, and family planning being key determinants.