Development and Validation of the Postpartum Quality of Sexual Life Questionnaire: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND

The postpartum period, which is defined as the six to eight weeks following childbirth, is characterized by significant physical, emotional, and hormonal changes, potentially impacting the quality of sexual life in women. Although postpartum sexual health is critical for overall quality of life and relationship stability, influencing factors remain insufficiently explored. This study aims to identify and analyze the influence of delivery mode, maternal age, educational level, and parity on postpartum sexual function and quality of life.

METHODS

A prospective observational cohort study was conducted at Saint Andrew Hospital, Constanta, Romania, between February 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023. A total of 100 women, 40-60 days postpartum, completed the newly developed Postpartum Quality of Sexual Life Questionnaire (PPQSL-Q), adapted from the validated Pelvic Organ Prolapse Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire-12. Participants were categorized by birth modality, age group, educational level, and parity. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations), independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients to examine relationships between questionnaire scores and participant variables. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of <0.05.

RESULTS

Cesarean births were significantly associated with higher postpartum sexual quality-of-life scores compared to spontaneous births (mean score 42.22 vs. 40.74, p < 0.01). Educational level demonstrated a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.211), with participants having middle-level education showing the highest mean scores (42.94). Age and parity showed weak but positive correlations (r = 0.056 and r = 0.157, respectively), with older women (33-39 years) and multiparous women reporting slightly better sexual function scores.

CONCLUSION

Mode of delivery significantly influences postpartum sexual quality of life, while educational level, age, and parity present moderate to mild correlations. These findings underline the need for tailored postpartum counseling and care strategies to support women's sexual health recovery.