Quality of Recovery and Its Associated Factors in Mothers Who Gave Birth with Cesarean Section at Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals in Northwest Amhara Region, Ethiopia: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND Postoperative quality of recovery after cesarean section is a crucial indicator of postpartum maternal health outcomes and satisfaction. However, the overall recovery status and its determinants in mothers who underwent cesarean delivery remain understudied. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the patient-reported quality of recovery and its associated factors among post-cesarean section mothers. METHODS This multicenter cross-sectional study assessed 24-hour postpartum recovery among 405 women undergoing cesarean delivery in comprehensive specialized hospitals in Northwest Amhara, Ethiopia, from January 1 to February 1, 2025, using the Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 tool. Factors associated with recovery were identified through bivariable and multivariable linear regression analysis. RESULTS The overall obstetrics quality of recovery scores were 70. 65 ± 12.2. Having strong social support (β: 6.40, P < 0.001), moderate social support (β: 5.85, P < 0.001), and the use of abdominal field block for postoperative analgesia (β: 3.94, P = 0.001) were positively associated with quality of recovery scores. Conversely, the presence of comorbidities (β: -3.90, P = 0.001), preoperative anxiety (β: -0.79, P< 0.001), emergency surgery (β: -3.83, P = 0.001), intraoperative blood loss (β: -0.016, P < 0.001), pregnancy-related complications (β: -8.35, P < 0.001), and postoperative complications (β: -2.58, P = 0.018) were negatively associated with Quality of recovery. CONCLUSIONS Among the domains of obstetrics quality of recovery, the lowest score was reported for pain. To enhance recovery, healthcare providers should reduce preoperative anxiety and optimize postoperative pain management, particularly with abdominal field blocks. Screening for comorbidities and providing perioperative counseling and multidisciplinary care are also essential for at-risk mothers.