Comparing Nutrition Knowledge, Eating Habits, and Neonatal Health Status of Primipara for Pregnant Women of Advanced Maternal Age Compared to Those of Younger Ages

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine differences in nutrition knowledge, eating habits during pregnancy, and neonatal health status between primipara for pregnant women of advanced maternal age in comparison to those under the age of 35. METHODS: This study used a comparative survey design. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires and patients medical records. A total of 127 participants, mothers after delivery were recruited from metropolitan city B. RESULTS: Primipara in advanced maternal age (n=32) reported significantly higher scores of eating habits (Z=-2.96, p=.003) than younger ages (n=95). There were no significant differences in scores of pregnancy nutrition knowledge (Z=-0.44, p=.660), duration of gestation (Z=-0.28, p=.778), neonatal birth height (Z=-0.10, p=.924), neonatal birth weight (Z=-0.28, p=.777), Apgar score 1 minute (Z=-0.53, p=.599) and 5 minutes (Z=-0.23, p=.816) between two groups. CONCLUSION: It concludes that age is not the obstacle to the best nutritional status of women and their newborns.

Postpartum Depressive Score and Related Factors Pre- and Post-delivery / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the scores of postpartum depression(PPD) on the first day, 1st week, and 6th week after the delivery and to explore their related factors before and after delivery in postpartum women. METHODS: With a survey design, 293 postpartum women were recruited from a postpartum unit, Ilsin Christian hospital in Pusan via convenience sampling and were followed at 1st week and 6th week in the outpatient clinic. RESULTS: Results showed that the scores of PPD(EPDS score) were low at postpartum 1st day, 1st week and 6th week but prevalence of PPD(EPDS > or =13) was 3.1% at 1st day, 8.2% at 1st week and 7.5% at 6th week, respectively. The pre-delivery factors were experience of depression, and the post-delivery factors were baby's sex(1st day), no caregiver for baby(1st week), and no help and concern for taking care of baby from husband and family(1st day and 6th week). The greater satisfaction with becoming a mother and her life, and greater maternal attachment were related to lower level of PPD at the three time points. CONCLUSION: Regular screening for postpartum depression and supportive and informative education is needed for postpartum women visiting the outpatient clinic for follow-up.

Clinical Observation of 12 Farmers Who Believe Themselves to Have Suffered from Chronic Pesticide Intoxication

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We assessed twelve cases of suspected chronic pesticide intoxication, with medically unexplained physical symptoms. METHODS: Complete blood cell count (CBC), blood chemistry, routine urinalysis, chest X-ray, ECG, gastrofiberscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, neuroselective sensory nerve conduction threshold, and psychological assessment were performed on 12 farmers who believe themselves to have suffered from chronic pesticide intoxication. RESULTS: No specific abnormalities were observed on CBC, routine urinalysis, chest X-ray, ECG, gastroscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, or peripheral nerve conduction velocity test. They persistently manifested helplessness, depression, and anxiety. The results of both psychological assessment and general physical examination revealed the following clinical features: depression (8 cases), multiple chemical hypersensitivity syndrome (2 cases), alcoholism (1 case), and religious preoccupation (1 case). CONCLUSION: In those living in the western rural area of South Korea, depression is a prominent ongoing presentation in pesticide-exposed farmers, in addition to unexplainable physical symptoms.