Main Article Content

The quality of life of HIV-infected and non-infected women post-caesarean section delivery


Preshani Reddy
José Merle Frantz

Abstract

There is a dearth of literature on the postnatal quality of life (QoL) of women. This study aimed to determine to QoL of HIV-infected and non-infected women post-caesarean section delivery.

This prospective, longitudinal and comparative study was conducted at four public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. The participants were followed for six-months post-delivery and the QoL was measured using the SF-36 and the pelvic floor impact questionnaire (PFIQ-7).

The results showed that the QoL of women were negatively affected post-operatively with the HIV-infected group scoring lower over the six-months.

Understanding postpartum QoL problems is essential in efforts to provide effective comprehensive care.

Keywords: Quality of life, HIV, Caesarean section delivery, Postnatal


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 2071-9736
print ISSN: 1025-9848