Effect of social support on obstetric recovery quality in mothers from at-risk age groups

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the effect of social support levels on the quality of obstetric recovery of mothers in the risky age group. Method: The cross-sectional study sample consisted of 231 postpartum women (adolescent, normal, advanced maternal age group) hospitalized in a state hospital's Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department between July and October 2024 and met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Information Form, Obstetric Quality of Recovery Score (ObsQoR-11), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results: The obstetric recovery quality scores of mothers in the adolescent age group were statistically significantly lower than those in the normal and advanced age groups (p<0.05). On the other hand, mothers' perceived social support levels in the advanced age group were significantly lower than those in the adolescent age group (p<0.05). In the evaluation of scale relationships according to the age groups of postnatal women, it was found that there was a negative and moderately significant relationship between ObsQoR-11 and MSPSS scales in all age groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that social support hurt the postnatal recovery processes of mothers in the at-risk age group. The level of social support and the quality of obstetric recovery differ in women in the at-risk age group, and it is recommended that this group should be handled with a unique approach by health professionals in the planning of care.