Determination of the life quality and self-care ability of the mothers in post-partum period

Objective: To determine the life quality and self-care ability of mothers in the post-partum period. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at a family health centre based in Kars Province of Turkey from May to September 2015, and comprised mothers who were in the post-partum period. Personal information form, maternal post-partum quality of life questionnaire and self-care ability scale were used to collect data. SPSS was used for data analysis. Results: There were 290 participants with a mean age of 26.81 +/- 6.21 years (range: 16-45 years). Mean scores for sub-dimensions in the maternal post-partum quality of life questionnaire were recorded at 19.00 +/- 6.23 for affinity/family/friend, 21.05 +/- 6.10 for socio-economic, 20.79 +/- 5.97 for spouse, 20.56 +/- 6.23 for health, and 19.86 +/- 6.21 for psychological/baby. The total maternal post-partum quality of life mean score was 20.17 +/- 5.51. The mean score for the self-care ability scale was 84.56 +/- 21.39. Conclusion: The self-care ability and post-partum life quality were substantially affected by educational status, economic condition, family type and post-partum week.