Age-specific determinants of post-partum fatigue in primiparous women.

AIM: Post-partum fatigue is a serious concern for mothers worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify age-specific determinants of self-perceived fatigue after childbirth among Japanese primiparous women. METHODS: A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted in Japan. The degree of fatigue was assessed using the Postnatal Accumulated Fatigue Scale during the hospital stay after childbirth. Associated factors were stratified into two age groups (<35 or ≥35 years old); data were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: In the younger group, significant determinants of post-partum fatigue included: anticipated difficulties in child-rearing after discharge; perception of inadequate sleep conditions; dissatisfaction with childbirth; shorter sleep and meal times; longer duration between feeding and infant bedtime; unemployment; and having hyperemesis gravidarum. In the older group, significant determinants of post-partum fatigue included: anticipated difficulties in child-rearing after discharge; perception of inadequate sleep conditions; shorter meal times; formula feeding; and dissatisfaction with childbirth. CONCLUSION: Primiparous mothers who anticipated new life with their infants to be difficult and who had an irregular lifestyle tended to report higher levels of fatigue during the post-partum hospital stay. Nurses and midwives should assess maternal sleep and eating conditions, providing support to ensure adequate maternal rest. Special efforts should be made to reduce anxiety about new life with infants among younger primiparous women who had experienced hyperemesis gravidarum.

Comparing child-care values in Japan and China among parents with infants.

The purpose of this project was to identify parental child-care values in Japan and China. Participants were 667 parents (432 Japanese and 235 Chinese) of newborn babies. A questionnaire, the Child-care Value Scale, was used to collect the data. Japanese parents' mean scores were significantly higher (indicating more agreement) for parental responsibilities listed in the subscale 'Views about parental role' than those for Chinese parents. The mean scores for 'Negative impressions of child-care' and 'Need for support from others in the parents' environment' subscales for Japanese fathers were significantly lower than for Chinese fathers. Japanese parents believed that mothers were responsible for taking care of their children. This was an obstacle to getting support from people outside the family. Chinese couples believed that parents should share housekeeping and child-care, and obtained public and private support from their community. Findings suggest that parents of infants need community and health-care support.