Impact of Health Education Sessions on Mothers' Quality of Life in Postpartum Period: Results of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

TL;DR

Health education sessions significantly improved the quality of life for postpartum mothers, especially in self-perception and sexual comfort.

Contribution

Demonstrates that structured health education interventions can enhance postpartum quality of life, particularly in self-perception and sexual relations.

Findings

The case group showed significant improvement in overall quality of life scores after health education (p < 0.001).

Only the case group had significant changes in self-perception scores pre- and post-intervention (p < 0.001).

Positive attitudes and comfort regarding postpartum sexual relations improved significantly in the case group (p = 0.007).

Abstract

The postpartum period involves substantial physical, emotional, and social changes that can adversely affect the quality of life (QoL) and overall health status of mothers. This study aimed to assess the effect of health education sessions on mothers' QoL in the postpartum period.

We conducted a clinical trial involving 112 first‐time mothers who had undergone vaginal delivery. Participants were recruited from healthcare centers in Hamadan, Iran. We selected case and control groups, using the cluster sampling method in two stages. We used two questionnaires: one to collect socio‐demographic data (e.g., mother's age, employment, education, housing, pregnancy planning, newborn's gender, abortion history), and another (Mother‐Generated Index) to assess postpartum QoL through 30 questions across 8 childbirth‐related dimensions, rated on a 5‐point Likert scale with total scores from 0 to 20. The health education for health promotion was provided to the interventional group throughout three sessions, held weekly. The aspects of the QoL of both groups were compared before and after health education.

The findings revealed a notable association in the overall QoL scores of mothers, with the case group showing a significant improvement post‐health education sessions, compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Only the case group exhibited significant changes in self‐perception scores pre‐ and post‐intervention (p < 0.001). Additionally, within the case group, there was a significant improvement in positive attitudes and comfort regarding postpartum sexual relations after the intervention compared to the control group (p = 0.007). Nonetheless, no notable correlations were found in other dimensions of QoL.

Health education sessions have the potential to improve the QoL scores of mothers in the postpartum period. Interventions focusing on the mother's self‐perception and feelings towards sexual relations have a greater impact on QoL. Therefore, counselors should prioritize these aspects during this period.

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