Influence of Childbirth Experience and Postpartum Depression on Quality of Life in Women after Birth

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify influence of childbirth experience and postpartum depression on quality of life in women after birth. METHODS: Two hundred and eleven postpartum women were asked to complete the questionnaires on their childbirth experience during their admission and on their postpartum depression and quality of life between one to three weeks after birth. Initial data were collected from February 1 to May 30, 2011 at two obstetric hospitals in Busan, Korea. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple regression. RESULTS: The women's childbirth experience and postpartum depression were identified as factors influencing quality of life after birth. The model explained 50% of the variables. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that childbirth educators should include strategies to increase a positive childbirth experience and to decrease postpartum depression in their education programs in order to improve women's quality of life.