Association Between Economic Activity and Depressive Symptoms Among Women With Parenting Children.

BACKGROUND: Balancing parenting and work life poses challenges for women with children, potentially making them vulnerable to depression owing to their dual responsibilities. Investigating working mothers' mental health status is important on both the individual and societal levels. This study aimed to explore the relationship between economic activity participation and depressive symptoms among working mothers. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study and used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020. The participants in the study were women aged 19 to 50 who were residing with their children. In the total, 3,151 participants were used in the analysis. The independent variable was economic activity, categorized into two groups: 1) economically active and 2) economically inactive. The dependent variable was the depressive symptoms, categorized as present for a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of ≥ 10 and absent for a score < 10. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between economic activity and depressive symptoms, and sensitivity analyses were performed based on the severity of depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Among women with children, economically active women had reduced odds ratio of depressive symptoms compared with economically inactive women (odds ratio [OR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-0.80). In additional analysis, women working as wage earners had the lowest odds of depressive symptoms (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.28-0.66). Women working an average of 40 hours or less per week were least likely to have depressive symptoms (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.25-0.69). CONCLUSION: Economic activity is significantly associated with depressive symptoms among women with children. Environmental support and policy approaches are needed to ensure that women remain economically active after childbirth.

A framework of workplace yoga for expectant mothers: A comprehensive review of benefits, safety considerations, and future perspectives.

This review explores the benefits of yoga during pregnancy and considers its implications for working pregnant women, focusing on safety, future directions, and limitations. The physical and psychological changes experienced during pregnancy can lead to increased stress and discomfort, impacting both maternal and fetal health, which may be further augmented by work stress during pregnancy. To address these challenges, various interventions such as yoga, relaxation techniques, and meditation have been proposed. Although there is evidence to support the benefits of yoga at both physical and psychological levels, there is a lack of proper strategies and guidelines for the implications of these interventions among working pregnant women. Incorporating yoga as a safe and cost-effective intervention for managing work-related distress during pregnancy can have significant benefits for both maternal and fetal health. However, careful consideration of safety guidelines, further research on working pregnant women, and exploring optimal implementation strategies are essential to fully harness the potential of yoga in this context. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence for the benefits and safety of yoga during pregnancy, with a specific focus on working pregnant women. To ensure the scientific rigor of this review, we conducted a systematic search of the PubMed database for high-quality research studies published in peer-reviewed journals.

Exploring drivers of women's well-being in hospitals: mapping the landscape.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The workplace plays a key role in impacting the health and well-being of employees at various levels, including physical, psychological, and social aspects of health. This study aims to identify the drivers of a healthy environment that promotes the well-being of women employed in hospitals. MATERIALS & METHODS: This qualitative study used purposive sampling to recruit a total of 48 working women across a diverse range of participants with different job categories and socio-demographic statuses. These include clinical health (e.g., nurse, head nurse, practical nurse, supervisor, physicians); allied health (e.g., diagnostic services); public health (e.g., health promotion specialists); and administrative (e.g., hospital managers). Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using content analysis by creating codes, sub-themes, and themes. RESULTS: Content analysis resulted in 31 key codes, that generated 12 sub-themes and 4 key themes. These include Advancing women's health through collaborative leadership; a Psychologically safe environment for women; Thriving for positive social connections; and Advancing holistic health for women. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Hospital managers and leaders play a pivotal role in creating supportive workplaces for women. They can significantly assist in prioritizing their psychological and social health through personalized approaches tailored to women's needs, positioning them as co-designers of their health and well-being.

Postpartum depression and risk factors among working women one year after delivery in Beijing, China: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common mental illness affecting women after childbirth, and working mothers may be faced with unique challenges. This study aimed to examine the depression status among working postpartum women in 1 year of childbirth and explore the relationship between occupational factors and PPD in urban Beijing, China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 554 postpartum women was conducted among ten community health service centers in six urban districts of Beijing, China. Sociodemographic, occupational, childbirth and postpartum information were collected. Depression status was obtained using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) was assessed in relation to occupational characteristics, and influencing factors were analyzed through logistic regression. Results: Of the postpartum women, 29.42% met the criteria for depression. PPD prevalence was significantly higher among women employed in commercial enterprises (39.81%). The analysis of influencing factors showed that age, family or personal monthly income, maternity leave, feeding methods, and postpartum care affected the psychological health of occupational women after childbirth. Conclusion: PPD prevalence is notably elevated among women employed in commercial enterprises, and specific risk factors contribute to its occurrence. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these risk factors and prevent PPD in this population.

Breast Cancer Screening Behavior among Working Women in Japan: Characteristics and Factors Inhibiting Screening.

Background: Improving breast cancer screening rates is crucial for early detection. However, factors hindering regular screening among working women remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify screening behavior among working women in Japan and associated discouraging factors. Methods: Surveys were conducted from April to May 2019 among women aged 40-60 at public offices and companies in Tottori Prefecture. We used two surveys: the "Basic Attributes Questionnaire" and the "Structural Questionnaire on Rejecting Screening." Data analysis involved chi-squared tests, logistic regression analysis, factor analysis, and nonparametric tests. Results: Completed questionnaires analyzed were 668 out of 825 collected (response rate: 81.0%). Most participants were part-time employees with an average age of 51 years. Over 60% reported undergoing regular screening. Logistic regression analysis identified part-time employment, lack of children, a discouraging workplace atmosphere, and absence of personal connections to breast cancer patients as factors associated with avoiding breast cancer screening. Factor analysis identified five factors and 16 items as reasons for not undergoing regular screening. Women who had no spouse, no children or felt that their workplace was not encouraging breast screening felt difficulty in scheduling screening most strongly. Conclusion: Individuals who had part-time employment and had no children, did not know a breast cancer patient, or considered that their workplace environment was not supportive were more likely to avoid undergoing regular breast cancer screening. Also, women who did not undergo regular screening experienced difficulty in scheduling. In the future, the challenge lies in disseminating accurate knowledge about breast cancer to foster awareness without excessive anxiety.

A qualitative perspective of working women care providers and care receivers on eldercare: a study from India.

BACKGROUND: The paper aims to explore the elderly caregiving process in India from the perspective of both elderly as well as working women care providers, along with the challenges faced and the coping strategies adopted by them during the process. METHODS: In-depth interviews with 48 participants (care providers and care receivers) from 25 multi-generational households were conducted in the slums of Mumbai and analysed using QSR-NVivo-10. RESULTS: Working women care providers supported the needs of the dependent elderly along with performing household chores and paid work. However, the way the care was perceived and demanded, was not often same as delivered by the care providers. Care provider suffered silently with poor social, physical and emotional welling in absence of support system and lack of time. Sometimes, physically exhausted care providers unknowingly resorted to elderly abuse and neglect. At the same time, a bidirectional flow of support from elderly also existed in the form of childcare, household chores and financial support. Though caregiving overstrained the care providers, strong family ties, acknowledgement of the contributions of the elderly during their young days, and the desire to set a precedent for the young generation did not let them step back from their duties. The main coping mechanism for both care receivers and providers was largely centred around the notion of acceptance of their situation. CONCLUSION: Conversations between generations can help in enhancing family ties and reduce conflicts. The support of family and community can also ease the burden of caregiving.

The impact of premenstrual disorders on work disruptions among working women: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Physical and emotional manifestations of premenstrual disorder cause increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and decreased work-related quality of life. Objective: Due to the relatively high prevalence of premenstrual disorders in Iran and limited studies on its work-related problems, this study investigated the relationship between premenstrual disorders and work performance in working women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 358 working women (teachers and industrial workers) in Yazd, Iran, from July 2019 to January 2020. Data were collected using premenstrual symptom screening tool, the work productivity and activity impairment (a modified version), and functional work capacity questionnaires. Women were classified into 2 groups: women with and without premenstrual disorders. Productivity, functional capacity, and ability to perform activities of daily living were compared between groups. Results: Among 358 participants, 121 women (33.8%) had premenstrual disorders. The prevalence of premenstrual disorders was significantly higher in teachers than workers (0.41% vs. 24.7%, respectively) (p = 0.002). The work results showed a worse score in the group with premenstrual disorder than the other group and teachers compared to workers (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed a significant association between premenstrual disorders and worse work productivity, functional work capacity, and ability to perform activities of daily living. Teachers had a higher prevalence of premenstrual disorders and worse work performance than workers, which can be due to higher education levels, work stress, more complex tasks, and increased work responsibility in teachers.

Work experience of breastfeeding nurses returning to work after maternity leave in Liaoning Province of China: A qualitative study.

AIM: With the implementation of China's three-child policy in 2021, the nurse population faces an increase in the number of breastfeeding nurses returning to work after maternity leave. This study aims to describe the work experience of breastfeeding nurses returning to work after maternity leave. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive design. METHODS: The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight nurses and analysed through Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three themes and nine sub-themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews: changes in nurses (emotional changes, physical changes and changes in work); needs for an improving work environment (needs for a supportive workplace and nurse shortage); support for breastfeeding nurses (support from coworkers, support from the manager, support from the organisation and own need for work). PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study highlighted that breastfeeding nurses need an adjustment period when they return to work after maternity leave. Successful breastfeeding requires support from coworkers, managers and the organisation. In addition, workplace support for breastfeeding and management for nurses needs to be improved.

The Association between Menstrual Symptoms and Presenteeism: A Cross-Sectional Study for Women Working in Central Tokyo.

Menstrual symptoms lower women's work performance, but to what extent one's performance declines during the perimenstrual periods is unclear. This cross-sectional study evaluated relative presenteeism by the severity of menstrual symptoms in working women. Participants included women who joined a health promotion event in Tokyo. The severity of PMS and symptoms during menstruation were categorized based on their frequency, and the outcome variable was relative presenteeism as the ratio of work performance during the perimenstrual periods to that during the inter-menstrual period. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. Of the 312 participants, 238 were eligible, 50% of whom claimed severe symptoms in either PMS or during menstruation. Participants were divided into four groups (1) without severe menstrual symptoms, (2) severe PMS alone, (3) severe symptoms during menstruation alone, and (4) both severe PMS and symptoms during menstruation-and the mean relative presenteeism was 91% (standard deviation (SD) 23), 69% (SD 21), 76% (SD 16), and 69% (SD 27), respectively (p < 0.01). A between-group comparison revealed statistically significant differences in relative presenteeism, when group (1) served as the criterion for comparisons (p < 0.01). This study demonstrates that severe PMS alone, as well as both severe PMS and symptoms during menstruation, particularly decreased work performance.

Severity of menopausal symptoms on quality of life among working women.

BACKGROUND: Menopause is experienced by every woman; some women attain it very early as they reach 42 years old. This happens when there is a dysfunction of follicles. The symptoms experienced by the women vary from mild to severe. The study aims to identify the severity of menopausal symptoms and their effect on the quality of life (QOL) among working women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional research design was used for the study. A total of 93 menopausal working women were selected by using the nonprobability sampling technique. A standardized menopausal symptom rating scale and menopausal quality of life scale were used. RESULTS: The mean age of women employees was 49.8 with a standard deviation (SD) of 8.6, and almost half the number of subjects had completed diplomas and graduated. The majority of the women (77.7%) belonged to nuclear families. More than half of the subjects (59.6%) were having above 30,000 monthly incomes. More than three-fourths of the participants were married. Nearly half the number of subjects (46.8%) had completed diplomas, and 47.9% of working women were graduates. Nearly one-quarter of the subjects had severe menopausal symptoms, The most-reported menopausal symptoms were hot flush (57%), sweating (62%), muscle and joint problems (52%), depressive mood (45%), and irritability (51%). About 22.5% of women had a low quality of life. The study realizes that there is a positive correlation (r = 0.71, P = 0.001*) between menopausal symptoms and quality of life. CONCLUSION: The study justifies that menopause causes both physical and psychological problems. The stress at the workplace causes more mental disturbance and physical fatigue in working menopausal women, directly affecting their quality of life.

Scale development and validation of perimenopausal women disability index in the workplace.

BACKGROUND: Menopausal disorders include obscure symptomatology that greatly reduce work productivity among female workers. Quantifying the impact of menopause-related symptoms on work productivity is very difficult because no such guidelines exist to date. We aimed to develop a scale of overall health status for working women in the perimenopausal period. METHODS: In September, 2021, we conducted an Internet web survey which included 3,645 female workers aged 45-56 years in perimenopausal period. We asked the participants to answer 76 items relevant to menopausal symptomatology, that were created for this study and performed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses for the scale development. Cronbach's alpha, receiver operating characteristic analysis, and logistic regression analysis were used to verify the developed scale. RESULTS: Approximately 85% participants did not have menstruation or disrupted cycles. Explanatory factor analysis using the maximum likelihood method and Promax rotation identified 21 items with a four-factor structure: psychological symptoms (8 items, α = 0.96); physiological symptoms (6 items, alpha = 0.87); sleep difficulty (4 items, alpha = 0.92); human relationship (3 items, alpha = 0.92). Confirmatory factor analyses found excellent model fit for the four-factor model (RMSR = 0.079; TLI = 0.929; CFI = 0.938). Criterion and concurrent validity were confirmed with high correlation coefficients between each of the four factors, previously validated menopausal symptom questionnaire, and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory scales, respectively (all ps < 0.0001). The developed scale was able to predict absenteeism with 78% sensitivity, 58% specificity, and an AUC of 0.727 (95%CI: 0.696-0.757). Higher scores of each factor as well as total score of the scale were more likely to be associated with work absence experience due to menopause-related symptoms even after adjusting for Copenhagen Burnout Inventory subscales (all ps < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: We found that the developed scale has high validity and reliability and could be a significant indicator of absenteeism for working women in perimenopausal period.

Sense of coherence promotion and occupational and family stress mitigation may improve heart health behaviors in middle-aged working women: a structural equation modelling approach.

Aims: This study aimed to construct a model that describes heart health behaviors in middle-aged working women and verify the goodness-of-fit of the model based on Salutogenesis. Methods and results: This study adopted a cross-sectional design. Participants were 330 middle-aged working women in South Korea. Data were analyzed using structural equation modelling with Sobel's Z test. In the multiple mediation model, stress coping strategy (ß = 0.26; p < 0.001), social support (ß = 0.41; p < 0.001), and health self-efficacy (ß = 0.36; p < 0.001) had significant direct effects on sense of coherence (SOC). SOC had a significant direct effect on occupational (ß = -0.72; p < 0.001) and family stress (ß = -0.76; p < 0.001). Additionally, SOC (ß = 0.67; p < 0.001), occupational stress (ß = -0.46; p < 0.001), and family stress (ß = -0.28; p < 0.001) had significant direct effects on heart health behaviors. Moreover, SOC had a significantly partial mediating effect on heart health behaviors through occupational stress (Z = 3.17; p = 0.002) and family stress (Z = 2.26; p = 0.024). Conclusion: Occupational and family stress mediated the relationship between SOC and heart health behaviors in middle-aged working women. Clinical evidence: Interventions that mitigate occupational and family stress may improve heart health behaviors among middle-aged working women.

Scale development and validation of perimenopausal women disability index in the workplace

BACKGROUND@#Menopausal disorders include obscure symptomatology that greatly reduce work productivity among female workers. Quantifying the impact of menopause-related symptoms on work productivity is very difficult because no such guidelines exist to date. We aimed to develop a scale of overall health status for working women in the perimenopausal period.@*METHODS@#In September, 2021, we conducted an Internet web survey which included 3,645 female workers aged 45-56 years in perimenopausal period. We asked the participants to answer 76 items relevant to menopausal symptomatology, that were created for this study and performed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses for the scale development. Cronbach's alpha, receiver operating characteristic analysis, and logistic regression analysis were used to verify the developed scale.@*RESULTS@#Approximately 85% participants did not have menstruation or disrupted cycles. Explanatory factor analysis using the maximum likelihood method and Promax rotation identified 21 items with a four-factor structure: psychological symptoms (8 items, α = 0.96); physiological symptoms (6 items, alpha = 0.87); sleep difficulty (4 items, alpha = 0.92); human relationship (3 items, alpha = 0.92). Confirmatory factor analyses found excellent model fit for the four-factor model (RMSR = 0.079; TLI = 0.929; CFI = 0.938). Criterion and concurrent validity were confirmed with high correlation coefficients between each of the four factors, previously validated menopausal symptom questionnaire, and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory scales, respectively (all ps < 0.0001). The developed scale was able to predict absenteeism with 78% sensitivity, 58% specificity, and an AUC of 0.727 (95%CI: 0.696-0.757). Higher scores of each factor as well as total score of the scale were more likely to be associated with work absence experience due to menopause-related symptoms even after adjusting for Copenhagen Burnout Inventory subscales (all ps < 0.0001).@*CONCLUSION@#We found that the developed scale has high validity and reliability and could be a significant indicator of absenteeism for working women in perimenopausal period.

Mulheres no trabalho militar: uma revisão bibliométrica e crítica / Mujeres en el trabajo militar: una revisión bibliométrica y crítica / Women in military work: a bibliometric and critical review

Resumo: O trabalho militar, historicamente, é uma profissão predominantemente masculina. A crescente inserção das mulheres nas instituições militares tem enfrentado entraves importantes. A presente revisão bibliométrica objetivou mapear e analisar criticamente a literatura indexada sobre gênero no contexto militar, pretendendo especificamente identificar características, tendências e lacunas da produção científica sobre o tema nos últimos 10 anos na psicologia. Além da ausência de estudos brasileiros ou em língua portuguesa, identificou-se predominância de métodos quantitativos e de participantes homens nas pesquisas. O tema mais abordado foi o trauma sexual militar. Aponta-se a necessidade de mais investigações com mulheres militares em contexto brasileiro.

Resumen: El trabajo militar ha sido históricamente una profesión predominantemente masculina. La creciente inserción de la mujer en las instituciones militares ha enfrentado importantes obstáculos. La presente revisión bibliométrica tuvo como objetivo mapear y analizar críticamente la literatura indexada sobre género en el contexto militar, con el objetivo de identificar características, tendencias y vacíos en la producción científica sobre el tema en los últimos 10 años. Además de la ausencia de estudios brasileños o en lengua portuguesa, se identificó predominio de métodos cuantitativos y participantes del sexo masculino en la investigación. El tema más discutido fue el trauma sexual militar. Se destaca la necesidad de más investigaciones con mujeres militares en el contexto brasileño.

Abstract: Military work is, historically, a predominantly male profession. The growing insertion of women in military institutions has faced important obstacles. This bibliometric review aimed to map and critically analyze the indexed literature on gender in the military context, specifically intending to identify characteristics, trends and gaps in scientific production on the topic in the last 10 years. In addition to the absence of Brazilian or Portuguese-language studies, a predominance of quantitative methods and male participants was identified. The most discussed topic was military sexual trauma. The need for more research with military women in the Brazilian context is highlighted.

The Association between the Severity of Dysmenorrhea and Psychological Distress of Women Working in Central Tokyo-A Preliminary Study.

This study aims to clarify the association between the severity of dysmenorrhea and psychological distress among working women in central Tokyo and examine the effect modification of job stressors. The participants in this cross-sectional study were 312 women who had undergone health check-ups in the "Marunouchi Hokenshitsu" project. The severity of dysmenorrhea was defined as the degree of daily life disturbance with menstrual pain, and the outcome variable was the K6 scores. To assess the association of psychological distress with the severity of dysmenorrhea, multiple regression analyses were performed. The results revealed that 18.3% of the 289 working women were in the moderate/severe group of dysmenorrhea. In multiple regression analysis, moderate/severe dysmenorrhea was significantly associated with higher levels of psychological distress, but the significance disappeared after adjusting for gynecology such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and workplace-related factors. The degree of job control was significantly associated with lower levels of psychological distress and may modify psychological distress caused by dysmenorrhea. Moderate/severe dysmenorrhea may be associated with higher levels of psychological distress in working women, and psychological symptoms of PMS) and the degree of job control were possible effect factors, and there may be effect modification by the degree of job control.

The quantity and quality of scientific evidence about the health of working women in occupational health of Japan: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to investigate the quantity and quality of scientific evidence dealing with comprehensive health issues of working women in occupational health. METHODS: This scoping review of original articles that investigated comprehensive health issues of working women aged 19-64 years in Japan was published in PubMed (1967-2022) and Igaku Chuo Zasshi (or Ichu-shi, 1982-2022). Using identical broad search terms, we first identified 17 122 English and 6154 Japanese articles. We excluded those with clinically relevant topics, or ethnicity other than Japanese and included 853 English and 855 Japanese articles for review and classified them into nine research areas considered to be critical factors for women in the workforce and five study design groups to investigate the quality of the evidence accumulated. RESULTS: Among 853 English-language articles in PubMed, "Mental health" was the most frequent area studied, followed by "Work-related disease" and "Lifestyle-related disease." Among 855 Japanese-language articles from Ichu-shi, "Mental health" was the most frequently studied area followed by "Work and balance," and "Work-related disease." "Infertility, pregnancy, and childbirth" and "Menstruation, menopause, and genital disease" were well studied in Ichu-shi but scarcely published in PubMed. "Harassment and discrimination" were sparsely reported in both databases. As for research designs, many articles in both PubMed and Ichu-shi employed descriptive or cross-sectional study designs. However, a few studies employed cohort/longitudinal or interventional studies. CONCLUSION: The results underscored the need for higher-quality study designs with more scientific evidence on working women's health in the field of occupational health.

La salud en la mujer empresaria: derechos y desafíos

La crisis causada por la pandemia de la COVID-19 posibilitó una mayor incorporación de la mujer al trabajo por cuenta propia, lo que ha favorecido la economía familiar y de los países. La mujer emprendedora ha enfrentado las dificultades de la brecha de género y la ansiedad por mantener el equilibrio entre la vida familiar y la empresarial. Este trabajo se propone visibilizar los problemas de salud de las féminas empresarias -muy poco estudiados en Cuba-, ya que se necesitan entornos laborales seguros, que garanticen sus derechos al bienestar integral, y así lograr una mayor productividad.

The crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemics made it possible greater incorporation of women to self-employment, which has favored the family and countries' economies. Woman entrepreneur has faced difficulties of the gender gap and the anxiety of maintaining the balance between family and business life. This work aims to make visible the health problems of women entrepreneurs -very little studied in Cuba-, since safe work environments are needed, which guarantee their rights to comprehensive well-being, and thus achieve greater productivity.

Postpartum health of working mothers: A prospective study.

Introduction: Most working women experience poor physical and mental health during their postpartum period. This prospective study aimed to describe the physical and mental health issues faced by working mothers during their postpartum period. Methods: Respondents were recruited using the proportional sampling method among mothers who attended the Maternal and Child Health Clinic in the Kuching division in Sarawak, Malaysia. Face-to-face interview was conducted using a questionnaire that consisted of items on socio-demographic data as well as perinatal, prenatal and postpartum factors, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and a checklist of 28 specific postpartum symptoms were used during the first 6 weeks and after 12 weeks of childbirth. Results: A total of 281 respondents participated in this study. Fatigue (42.7%), back or neck pain (36.3%), breast discomfort (16.4%), dizziness (13.5%) and nipple irritation (11.0%) were among the most common symptoms experienced by the mothers during the first 6 weeks after childbirth. There was a significant decrease in the physical symptom scores of the respondents from the first 6 weeks to after 12 weeks of childbirth (1.73±1.96 vs 0.16±0.42; P<0.0005). A significant decrease was also found in the depression scores (6.26±4.26 vs 1.35±1.85, P<0.0005). Conclusion: The prevalence of postnatal depression was higher during the first 6 weeks of postpartum than after 12 weeks of postpartum. Screening and treatment of poor postpartum mental health among working women are essential owing to the impacts on occupational outcomes.

Workplace breastfeeding support for working women: A scale development study.

Objective: In this study, authors aimed to develop a scale to evaluate workplace breastfeeding support. Methods: The study was carried out with 490 working women who applied to the women's and children's outpatient clinics of a hospital in Turkey. The study data were collected by using a 'Personal Information Form' and the 'Workplace Breastfeeding Support for Working Women Draft Scale'. The data were analyzed on SPSS 25 and AMOS 21 software packages. In the development process of the scale; Content validity, exploratory factor analysis, item-total score correlation methods and Cronbach's Alpha coefficient were used. Results: The content validity index of the scale was 0.90, and the Cronbach's alpha value was 0.93. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value of the scale was 0.91, Bartlett test values were χ2 = 11,573.924 and p < 0.000. According to the results of the exploratory factor analysis for the construct validity of the scale, the scale consisted of 31 items and 6 factors. Conclusions: The developed scale can be used to evaluate workplace breastfeeding support for working women as a valid and reliable measurement tool.

The Prevalence of Anemia in Working Women.

INTRODUCTION: Anemia can be defined as a reduction in the amount of hemoglobin (Hb) in red blood cells (RBCs). It is becoming a growing socioeconomic issue. It is important to identify the causes of anemia and educate people about its symptoms. This can aid in the early identification and diagnosis of anemia, thereby preventing the disease's complications. The complications of anemia include the risk of low birth weight, prematurity, prenatal and neonatal mortality, and maternal mortality. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to investigate the factors contributing to anemia among working-class women employed in government or private sectors located in Karachi, Pakistan. By identifying the causes and risk factors of anemia, participants can be counseled to adopt a healthier lifestyle, a well-balanced diet, and activities that may eliminate the causes of anemia, further preventing the incidence of anemia. The objectives of the study are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART). The study was conducted from November 2019 to August 2021 despite facing COVID-19-related restrictions. The sample size fit the inclusion criteria, and the objectives were accomplished successfully with adequate resources. METHODOLOGY: The cross-sectional study was conducted after receiving clearance from institutions and consent from participants. A total of 180 participants provided consent after receiving a thorough explanation of the study, and they had the right to refuse to participate. In respect of confidentiality, the participants were not required to provide their names, as they were not included in our data analysis. The inclusion criteria included women of the working class, aged 18-45 years, working a minimum of four to five hours per week, and employed in government or private sectors located in Karachi, Pakistan. The exclusion criteria included women with bleeding or hematological disorders, a history of surgery in the last 12 months, pregnancy, or systemic disease. Data collection was divided into two sections: section one (questionnaire) and section two (investigations). The questionnaire was given to each participant via Google Forms and was filled out before section two of data collection, which included blood tests via a finger prick to measure hemoglobin with a Veri-Q Multi Meter hemoglobin monitoring system (manufactured by Q-line BIOTECH, New Delhi, India). RESULTS: The mean Hb was 11.15 ± 1.29 mg/dl (n = 180). The study revealed that 58.3% of the participants had a normal hemoglobin concentration according to the WHO anemia classification, while 41.7% were anemic. Overall, the prevalence of anemia was 41.7%, and the majority (56%) of the participants had mild anemia. CONCLUSION: The majority of the participants had mild anemia. Education on anemia and its symptoms, eating habits, occupational status, and stress-related factors can affect the hemoglobin concentration in RBCs. A diet low in meat, leafy vegetables, and fruit leads to anemia. Despite knowledge of anemia and its symptoms, non-medical professionals, especially young adults, had a higher prevalence of anemia than medical professionals, although the difference was minor.