Relationship between maternal mental status and social supports during pregnancy and until one month after childbirth in a local city.

The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between maternal mental status and social supports during pregnancy and until one month after childbirth in order to evaluate the actual situation in a local city. A survey was conducted on 78 pregnant women who completed the CES-D (depression score), STAI (anxiety score) and Social Support Scale. Data were collected four times : during the second trimester, the third trimester, postpartum hospitalization, and 1 month after childbirth. The CES-D and STAI scores were initially high during pregnancy and decreased during the postpartum period. The Social Support Scale score, however, was initially low during pregnancy and increased during the postpartum period. The CES-D and STAI scores was significantly and negatively correlated with The Social Support Scale score during all four time periods. Participants ≧ 35 years of age scored lower on The Social Support Scale than did participants < 35 years of age in the second trimester, third trimester, and 1 month after childbirth. These findings should assist with the implementation of a comprehensive support center and may be useful for a local city in Japan. J. Med. Invest. 68 : 265-270, August, 2021.

Development and Psychometric Testing of the Mental Health Scale for Childrearing Fathers.

The mental health of fathers influences the development of children and the functioning of families significantly. However, there is no useful scale for the mental health screening of childrearing fathers. This study developed a Mental Health Scale for Childrearing Fathers (MSCF) and determined its reliability and validity. Childrearing fathers are working fathers who co-parent with their spouses. This survey was conducted in two stages: a pilot study and a main survey. Data were obtained from 98 fathers raising preschoolers in the pilot study and 306 fathers in the main survey. The collected data were used to confirm the construct validity, criterion-related validity, convergent validity, and internal consistency reliability. The final MSCF consisted of 25 items comprising four factors: peaceful familial connection, healthy mind and body, satisfying paternal alliances, and leading a meaningful life as a parent. The internal consistency reliability estimated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total scale was 0.918. The validity of the MSCF was logically secured using a confirmatory factor analysis. The MSCF can be an effective tool for mental health screening among fathers in relation to the burden of childrearing during regular infant health checks.

The experiences of husbands present at their wives' emergency cesarean sections.

The aim of this study was to clarify the experiences of husbands present at their wives' emergency cesarean sections. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for nine husbands who attended their wives' emergency cesarean sections. The results were analyzed using a qualitative inductive approach. Several categories such as [wife's labor pain will be unbearable if I look], [situation was beyond one's control], and [sense of relief experienced by midwife care] were extracted from the husbands' experiences the need for an emergency cesarean section was established. Additional categories such as [sense of relief at cesarean section decision], [convincing oneself], and [anxiety for life and hope for safety] were extracted at the time of the emergency cesarean section decision. Other categories [anxiety while waiting for prolonged periods], [ease of mind with family], and [pleasure in meeting the baby] were extracted from the husbands' experiences while waiting for their wives' cesarean section. Finally, the categories of [unloading of responsibilities], [to thank my wife], and [remaining anxious and fearful] were extracted from the husbands' experiences on their wives return to their hospital rooms. Husbands were anxious about the life and safety of their wife and child, and considered their futures in case of an unexpected occurrence. J. Med. Invest. 65:268-273, August, 2018.