abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Women's overall quality of life prior to delivery and the changes expected by the mothers within the near future have been analyzed addressing items like employment, finances, housing and relationships to family, friends and neighbours. METHODS: Population based women were asked to answer a questionnaire (Survey of Neonates in Pomerania - SNIP) during their stay at the hospital after delivery. The area studied is North-East Germany. RESULTS: The study included 1553 women with 1122 questionnaires (72.3%) analyzed. Positive assessment concerning the quality of life was observed in 91.2% without expecting serious worsening after delivery. Negative assessments were found within the categories employment (23.3%) and finances (26.3%). Worsening was expected within employment (34%), finances (52.1%) and shortening of spare time (39.6%). Within all other categories no changes or even an improvement after delivery were expected. The overall assessment was correlated to the mothers' social relationship. CONCLUSION: Most women stated their own quality of life as positive, none expected serious worsening. Employment, finances and social bindings are factors with strong relationship on the mothers' self-assessment.