Impact of abnormal cesarean section scar formation on quality of life and postpartum depression: A cross-sectional study in Japan.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of abnormal scar formation after cesarean section and evaluate its effects on quality of life (QoL) and postpartum depression risk.

METHODS

A nationwide cross-sectional study of 991 women aged 18-45 years at 6-18 months post-cesarean section was conducted in Japan. Participants completed validated measures of scar assessment (Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]) and postpartum depression risk (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS]).

RESULTS

Among participants, 66.0% Abnormal scarring has been reported to occur more frequently in Asian and Black populations than in White populations, consistent with previous epidemiological studies. (654/991) developed abnormal scars (64.4% hypertrophic, 1.6% keloid). The abnormal scar group showed significantly higher DLQI scores, indicating worse QoL (median 1, interquartile range 0-2 vs median 0, interquartile range 0-1; P < 0.001). Women with keloid formation showed elevated EPDS scores, indicating higher depression risk.

CONCLUSION

Abnormal scar formation is highly prevalent, abnormal scars impair maternal quality of life, and keloid formation is linked to an increased risk of postpartum depression.