Psychosocial Burden and Quality of Life Among Women Experiencing Neonatal Loss Post-Cesarean Section in Gboko, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Giving birth is an empowering experience for women and their partners when they have the opportunity to make choices that influence the outcome of this significant life event. Despite efforts made by Nigeria to improve antenatal and postnatal care provision, the perinatal death rate remains high. Consequently, many women continue to experience intense, long-lasting grief, and poorer physical and mental health outcomes due to the loss of a baby after birth. This study assess the psychological and social burdens experienced by women who delivered through Caesarean Section (CS) and lost their infants, while also assessing their Health-Related Quality of Life (HrQoL).
Methodology: A mixed-method research design was adopted. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 31 women in Gboko who lost their babies after a CS within six (6) weeks post-partum. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and structured questionnaires. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, while quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation.
Results: The findings revealed high levels of psychological distress, significant social challenges, and poor HrQoL among the participants. Thematic analysis identified core themes of emotional pain, trauma, abandonment, hopelessness, and self-harm. Social burdens included isolation, relationship strain, and emotional distress. Physical domains such as mobility, self-care, and pain/discomfort were also negatively affected. Furthermore, moderate to severe depression and anxiety were reported by the majority of respondents. While support from spouses, families, peers, and healthcare providers was acknowledged, significant gaps in care remain.
Conclusion: Recovery for these women requires educational interventions combined with a holistic supportive approach. It is insufficient to heal the surgical incision alone; healthcare systems must provide active lactation suppression support, grief counseling, and family therapy to address the strain on marital relationships and the fear of future pregnancies.