The impact of family social support on postpartum quality of life among Iranian women: structural equation modelling

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of family social support (FSS) on postpartum quality of life (PQOL). METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study enrolled postpartum women and asked them to complete the PQOL and FSS questionnaire (FSSQ) between October 2021 and February 2022 in three urban health centres in Shiraz, Iran. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis and multiple regression were used to determine the relationship between the FSS and PQOL variables. Structural equation modelling was used to determine the relationship pathways of the impact of FSS on PQOL. RESULTS: A total of 240 women were enrolled in the study. The mean ± SD scores of PQOL and FSSQ were 61.63 ± 9.59 and 69.80 ± 11.19, respectively. Family support seeking (7.95) and emotional support seeking (−6.80) were two factors affecting PQOL. CONCLUSION: Women should be empowered to seek support through education and actions from health workers, especially nurses and midwives, during routine regular prenatal care.