Analysing the Functional Impairments among Postpartum Women after Childbirth by Using the Barkin Index Maternal Functioning Assessment Scale

Janani  Arul; Anitha Mariappan

Janani Arul Senior Assistant Professor, VYMAK College of Physiotherapy, Nallurahalli, Whitefield, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Anitha Mariappan Assistant Professor, College of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, Dayananda Sagar University, Bangalore, Karnataka, India mbanitha.26@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4491-4210

Keywords: Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning, Postpartum depression, Postoperative day

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum physical issues are often dismissed as temporary or minor; however, they significantly affect emotional and functional health, leading to a decline in women’s quality of life due to persistent and escalating health problems.

Aim: To compare functional impairments experienced by postpartum women following vaginal delivery and cesarean section, using the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF).

Methods: This observational study recruited 114 postpartum women (62 vaginal delivery, 52 cesarean section) from NR Colony Government Maternity Hospital and Motherhood Hospital, Bangalore, based on pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Functional impairment was assessed using the self-reported BIMF questionnaire. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test (SPSS v29.0.1), with p smaller than 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Mothers who underwent cesarean section showed significantly greater functional impairment than those with vaginal delivery across nearly all BIMF domains (t equal to 2.24 to 6.40, p smaller than 0.05), with the strongest differences seen in feeding comfort and mother–infant interaction (p smaller than 0.001). Overall, 65.4% of cesarean-delivery mothers had a BIMF score below 80 (indicating functional impairment), compared to 14.5% of vaginal-delivery mothers. These findings suggest cesarean delivery is associated with greater postpartum functional impairment, highlighting the need for tailored, delivery-mode-specific recovery interventions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2349.7181.202606

How to cite this article:
Arul J, Mariappan A. Functional Impairments Among Postpartum Women After Childbirth: A Study Using the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning. J Adv Res Med 2026; 13(3): 1-8.

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