Racism-related stress and mental health among black women living in Los Angeles County, California: A comparison of postpartum mood and anxiety disorder screening scales.

PURPOSE: To assess Black women's exposure to and appraisal of racism-related stress during the postpartum period and to distinguish its impact on three indicators of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) symptoms. METHODS: Data from the Black Mothers' Mental Wellness Study (N = 231) and linear regression models estimated the associations between racism-related stress and the PMAD indicators: 3-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS-3), 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), and PHQ-15. RESULTS: The majority of participants (80.5%, N = 186) experienced racism a few times a year or more, of which 37.1% (N = 69) were bothered somewhat and 19.3% (N = 36) a lot. Racism-related stress, income, level of education, and history of mental health diagnosis explained greater variance in PMAD symptoms as measured by the PHQ-8 score (R2 = 0.58, p = < 0.001) compared to the EPDS-3 (R2 = 0.46, p = < 0.001) or the PHQ-15 (R2 = 0.14, p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Racism is a stressor for Black women living in Los Angeles County, California. Racism-related stress and emotional expression of PMAD symptoms were salient to the postpartum mental health of the Black women in this study. Findings from this study suggest that the PHQ-8 should be used to assess how racism impacts Black women's postpartum mental health.

Desafios do processo gestacional de mulheres negras: uma revisão narrativa / Challenges in the gestational process of black women: a narrative review

Esta revisão narrativa procura discutir aspectos concernentes ao processo gestacional de mulheres negras, quais sejam: se existem diferenças de tratamento entre mulheres brancas e negras durante a gravidez e nos momentos do parto e pós-parto, como essas diferenças são influenciadas pelos aspectos fisiológicos de cada grupo étnico e como isso afeta as taxas de morbimortalidade. Para esta revisão, quatro bases de dados foram usadas (SciELO, LILACS, PubMed e MEDLINE) e 23 artigos foram lidos na íntegra, depois de selecionados por data de publicação, língua, país da pesquisa e análise dos títulos e resumos. Como principais resultados, os autores encontraram diferenças claras entre mulheres brancas e negras quanto ao acesso à saúde, sendo as negras mais propensas a usar os sistemas públicos e ter menos consultas pré-natal. Também foi observado que as mulheres negras reportaram maus-tratos mais vezes, tinham maiores chances de serem proibidas de ter um acompanhante durante o parto e recebiam menos anestesia para episiotomias. As características fisiológicas também foram apontadas várias vezes. Nesse sentido, altas taxas de anemia ferropriva e hipertensão durante a gravidez foram mais comuns entre as negras. Além disso, em se tratando de taxas de morbimortalidade, mulheres negras tinham uma chance consideravelmente maior de serem readmitidas pós-parto e maiores taxas de mortalidade, quando comparadas com mulheres brancas.(AU)

This review aims to discuss aspects related to the gestational process of black women, namely: if there is a difference in how black and white women are treated throughout pregnancy, partum and postpartum moments, how this difference is influenced by the physiological aspects of each ethnical group and how it affects their morbidity and mortality rates. For this review, four databases were used (SciELO, LILACS, PubMed and MEDLINE) and 23 articles were fully read, after being selected by publishing date, language, country of research, title and abstract analysis. The authors found as the main results clear differences between black women's and white women's access to health care, as black women are more likely to use public health care systems and have fewer prenatal appointments. It was also noticed that black women reported maltreatment more frequently, had a higher chance of being prohibited from keeping a companion during labor and suffering from less local anesthesia for episiotomy. The physiological characteristics were also pointed out several times, with high rates of iron deficiency anemia and hypertension during pregnancy being more common among black women. Moreover, when it comes to morbidity and mortality rates, black women had an extremely higher chance of being readmitted postpartum, and a higher mortality rate, when compared to white women.(AU)

Adesão e rejeição à consulta puerperal por mulheres de uma unidade básica de saúde da família / Adherence and rejection of puerperal Consultation by women of a basic health unit

Introdução: A primeira consulta puerperal deve ser realizada de sete a dez dias após o parto para uma completa avaliação da mãe e do recém-nascido, indicando precocemente alterações inesperadas, prevenindo agravos e controlando as taxas de morbimortalidade da criança e da mulher. Contudo, apesar de prioridade no âmbito de saúde pública, o retorno da mulher e a primeira ida do filho às consultas pós-parto ainda são reduzidas. Objetivo: Identificar a motivação da adesão e rejeição da primeira consulta puerperal por mulheres atendidas em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde. Casuística e Métodos: Estudo descritivo retrospectivo realizado com a população de 65 mulheres de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde em Campo Grande, MS, Brasil, selecionadas pelo registro no caderno de pré-natal com a Data Provável do Parto delimitada entre fevereiro de 2017 e fevereiro de 2018. Para coleta de dados, foi aplicado um questionário avaliando o período gestacional e o porquê da presença nas consultas puerperais. Resultados: Das 65 mulheres entrevistadas, 47 (72,31%) encontrava-se entre 18 e 30 anos de idade e apenas 7 (10,77%) concluiu o ensino superior. Além disso, as intercorrências neonatais (32,15%) e maternas (25%) sobressaem às taxas de consultas agendadas (42,85%). Adicionalmente, a falta de informação relacionada à importância da consulta puerperal e à necessidade de retorno (13,52%) é o primeiro motivo de rejeição à consulta puerperal no período preconizado. Conclusão: O incentivo e a relação profissional com a comunidade são os principais motivadorespara a adesão à consultapuerperal correta.Orienta-se melhorar a atuação profissional no pré-natal a fim de solidificar elos de confiança e aumentar o número de retornos às consultas no pós-parto.

Introduction: The first puerperal visit should be performed seven to ten days postpartum for a complete evaluation of the mother and the newborn, indicating early unexpected changes, preventing injuries and controlling the morbidity and mortality rates of child and woman. However, despite the public health priority, the return of the woman and the child's first visit to postpartum consultations are still low. Objective: To identify the motivation for adherence and rejection of the first puerperal consultation by women from a Basic Health Unit. Patients and Methods: We carried out a descriptive retrospective study performed on the population of 65 women from a Basic Health Unit in Campo Grande, MS, Brazil, selected for registration in the prenatal care book and with the Probable Childbirth Date delimited between February of 2017 and February of 2018. For data collection, a questionnaire was applied evaluating the gestational period and the reason for the presence in the puerperal consultations. Results: Of the 65 women interviewed, ages ranged from 18 to 30 years-old (n=7; 72.31%)> regarding schooling only 7 (10.77%) completed higher education. In addition, the neonatal (32.15%) and maternal (25%) complications stand out at the rates of scheduled appointments (42.85%). In addition, the lack of information related to the importance of puerperal consultation and the need for follow-up(13.52%) is the first reason for rejection to the puerperal consultation in the period recommended. Conclusion: The incentive and the relation between health professional and the community are the main motivators for the adherence to correct puerperal consultation. It is to improve the professional performance in prenatal care in order to solidify reliable links and increase the number of returns to postpartum consultations.

The Effects of a Couples-Based Health Behavior Intervention During Pregnancy on Latino Couples' Dyadic Satisfaction Postpartum.

Many couples tend to report steadily decreasing relationship quality following the birth of a child. However, little is known about the postpartum period for Latino couples, a rapidly growing ethnic group who are notably underserved by mental and physical health caregivers in the United States. Thus, this study investigated whether a brief couples' intervention focused on helping couples support each other while increasing healthy behaviors might improve dyadic functioning postpartum. This study presents secondary analyses of data regarding couple functioning from a larger randomized controlled trial with 348 Latino couples to promote smoking cessation. Portions of the intervention taught the couple communication and problem-solving skills to increase healthy behavior. Couples participated in four face-to-face assessments across 1 year starting at the end of the first trimester. Latent growth curve analyses revealed that the treatment group reported an increase in relationship satisfaction and constructive communication after the intervention, which diminished by 1-year follow-up, returning couples to their baseline levels of satisfaction. Results suggest that incorporating a brief couple intervention as part of a larger health intervention for Latinos may prevent postpartum decreases in relationship satisfaction.

Atención del parto y del puerperio inmediato con pertinencia intercultural / Care of childbirth and immediate puerperium

PROPÓSITO: Explorar los factores que influyen en la aplicación de la interculturalidad con respecto a la atención del parto y puerperio inmediato en personal médico y paramédico, comadronas y usuarias del Centro de Urgencias Médicas (CUM) de Tecpán, Chimaltenango, abril-mayo 2017. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio cualitativo con diseño etnográfico. Se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad al personal de salud y usuarias del CUM y grupos focales con comadronas. Se evaluó la infraestructura de las salas de parto y posparto. RESULTADOS: En el personal médico y paramédico se evidenciaron saberes limitados acerca de la pertinencia cultural, descrita en las Normas de Atención con Pertinencia Cultural. Se contó con el 65% de los elementos de infraestructura y equipo de la sala de partos culturalmente adecuada. Las comadronas percibieron una atención deficiente y refirieron poco interés y capacitación del personal del servicio de salud. Las usuarias opinaron que existe una buena relación con el personal de salud, sin embargo no se les brindó una atención con adecuación cultural. CONCLUSIONES: Los factores que influyen en la implementación de las prácticas interculturales son de índole económica principalmente, además de aspectos estructurales, organizaciones y socioculturales.

PURPOSE: To explore the factors that influence the implementation of interculturality in regards to care during childbirth and the immediate postpartum period, in medical and paramedical staff, traditional midwives and patients of the Center of Medical Urgencies (CUM), Tecpán, Chimaltenango, April-May 2017. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative study with an ethnographic design. In-depth interviews with medical staff and patients of the CUM were carried out in addition to focal groups with traditional midwives. The infrastructure of the birthing room and postpartum ward were evaluated. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: The medical and paramedical staff showed limited awareness of cultural pertinence, as described in the Norms of Attention with Cultural Pertinence. The birthing room satisfies 65% of the criteria of infrastructure and equipment of a culturally pertinent birthing room. The traditional midwives perceived deficient patient care and identified a lack of interest and training of the health staff. The patients experienced a good relationship with the health staff, but declared a lack of cultural adequacy in the attention. The factors that influence in the implementation of intercultural practices are principally of economic nature, in addition to structural, organizational and sociocultural aspects.

Fatores associados ao contato pele a pele entre mãe/filho e amamentação na sala de parto / Factors associated with skin to skin contact between mother/son and breastfeeding in the delivery room

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar fatores associados ao contato pele a pele entre mãe e filho e à amamentação na sala de parto entre nutrizes atendidas em um banco de leite humano. Métodos Foram avaliadas 12.283 mães em estudo retrospectivo (2009-2012) com dados secundários obtidos de protocolo estruturado. Adotou-se modelo de Poisson com abordagem hierarquizada em níveis distal, intermediário e proximal para dados sociodemográficos maternos; pré-natais e gestacionais; do bebê; e atenção hospitalar. Resultados Estiveram associados, respectivamente, à maior prevalência do contato pele a pele e da amamentação na sala de parto: parto normal (RP=1,34; IC95% 1,27-1,41 e RP=1,63; IC95% 1,45-1,83) e sem complicação (RP=1,24; IC95% 1,12-1,38 e RP=1,27; IC95% 1,03-1,56), peso ao nascer adequado (RP=1,23; IC95% 1,11-1,36 e RP=1,92; IC95% 1,48-2,48) e a termo (RP=1,18; IC95% 1,10-1,28 e RP=1,40; IC95% 1,17-1,67). Conclusão A forte influência da atenção hospitalar e as condições ao nascer do recém-nascido explicaram os desfechos em estudo. Ressalta-se a necessidade da adoção de medidas que priorizem o contato pele a pele e a amamentação na sala de parto nos grandes hospitais da capital, como a redução ou adiamento de intervenções na assistência pós-parto. Estudos longitudinais poderão esclarecer outras questões sobre o tema.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate factors associated with skin to skin contact between mother and child and breastfeeding at the delivery room in mothers who visit a human milk bank. Methods This retrospective study (2009 to 2012) assessed the secondary data of 12,283 mothers obtained by a structured protocol. A distal-, intermediate-, and proximal-level hierarchical Poisson regression model analyzed the sociodemographic, maternal, prenatal, gestational, infant, and hospital care data. Results The following items were associated with a higher prevalence of skin to skin contact and breastfeeding in the delivery room: vaginal delivery (RP=1.34; 95%CI 1.27-1.41 and PR=1.63; 95%CI 1.45-1.83), uneventful delivery (PR=1.24; 95%CI 1.12-1.38 and PR=1.27; 95%CI 1.03-1.56), appropriate birth weight (PR=1.23; 95%CI 1.11-1.36 and PR=1.92; 95%CI 1.48-2.48), and term birth (PR=1.18; 95%CI 1.10-1.28 and PR=1.40; 95%CI 1.17-1.67). Conclusion The strong influence of hospital care and newborn birth conditions explained the study outcomes. Actions that promote skin to skin contact and breastfeeding in the delivery room of large hospitals in capital cities are needed, such as reduction or postponement of interventions during postnatal care. Longitudinal studies may clarify other issues on this subject.

Atenção nutricional no pré-natal e no puerpério: percepção dos gestores da Atenção Básica à Saúde / The nutritional care during the prenatal and postpartum: Perceptions of managers of Primary Health Care

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a percepção dos gestores quanto à atenção nutricional ao pré-natal e ao puerpério na rede básica de município da Baixada Santista, São Paulo, segundo estrutura e processo. Métodos: Realizou-se censo das 28 unidades básicas da área insular por meio de entrevistas com gestores. Avaliou-se a atenção nutricional segundo infraestrutura, processo de trabalho e vigilância alimentar e nutricional. Resultados: A inserção do nutricionista foi o principal componente insuficiente da dimensão estrutura, interferindo negativamente na atenção nutricional para 60% dos gestores. Encontrou-se baixa conformidade para as seguintes variáveis da dimensão processo: cálculo do índice de massa corporal (35%), acompanhamento do estado nutricional na curva índice de massa corporal/semana gestacional (46%) e realização de aconselhamento nutricional individualizado no pré-natal (14%). Conclusão: A atenção nutricional pré-natal e puerperal é insatisfatória para alcançar a integralidade do cuidado. Faz-se necessário sensibilizar gestores locais e capacitar equipes de saúde para assegurar a efetividade de tais ações em Santos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the perception of managers regarding the nutritional care to prenatal and postpartum in Primary Health Units in Southern,São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: It was conducted a census of 28 Primary Health Units from the insular area, using interviews with managers. The nutritional care was assessed according to infrastructure, work process and food and nutrition surveillance. Results: The insertion of dietitians was the main insufficient component of dimension structure, interfering negatively on nutritional care for 60% of managers. It was founded low compliance for the following variables of the process dimension: calculate the body mass index (35%), monitoring of nutritional status in body mass index/gestational week curve (46%) and conducting individualized nutritional counseling in antenatal (14%). Conclusion: Prenatal and postpartum nutritional care is unsatisfactory to achieve comprehensive care. It is necessary to sensitize local manager's awareness and qualify the health teams to ensure the effectiveness of such actions in Santos.

Behavioral and Psychosocial Health of New Mothers and Associations With Contextual Factors and Perceived Health.

OBJECTIVE: To test the association of behavioral and psychosocial health domains with contextual variables and perceived health in ethnically and economically diverse postpartum women. DESIGN: Mail survey of a stratified random sample. SETTING: Southwestern community in Texas. PARTICIPANTS: Non-Hispanic White, African American, and Hispanic women (N = 168). METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to a sample of 600 women. The adjusted response rate was 32.8%. The questionnaire covered behavioral (diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use) and psychosocial (depression symptoms and body image) health, contextual variables (race/ethnicity, income, perceived stress, and social support), and perceived health. Hypotheses were tested using linear and logistic regression. RESULTS: Body image, dietary behaviors, physical activity behaviors, and depression symptoms were all significantly correlated (Spearman ρ = -.15 to .47). Higher income was associated with increased odds of higher alcohol use (more than 1 drink on 1 to 4 days in a 14-day period). African American ethnicity was correlated with less healthy dietary behaviors and Hispanic ethnicity with less physical activity. In multivariable regressions, perceived stress was associated with less healthy dietary behaviors, increased odds of depression, and decreased odds of higher alcohol use, whereas social support was associated with less body image dissatisfaction, more physical activity, and decreased odds of depression. All behavioral and psychosocial domains were significantly correlated with perceived health, with higher alcohol use related to more favorable perceived health. In regressions analyses, perceived stress was a significant contextual predictor of perceived health. CONCLUSION: Stress and social support had more consistent relationships to behavioral and psychosocial variables than race/ethnicity and income level.

Influência de crenças e tabus no período puerperal: atuação do enfermeiro / Influence of beliefs and taboos in the puerperal period: performance of the nurse

Pesquisa descritiva, de delineamento qualitativo, com o objetivo de desvelar a atuação do enfermeiro frente à influência de crenças e tabus relacionadas ao puerpério. Participaram 9 enfermeiros atuantes em uma maternidade pública situada no município de Bauru-SP. A entrevista semi-estruturada foi utilizada para a coleta de dados, e para a análise dos discursos, utilizou-se a proposta por Bardin. O estudo mostrou que o mito da puérpera recusar-se a tomar banho e lavar o cabelo após o parto e durante todo o puerpério prevaleceu; a influência das crenças e tabus merece atenção especial ao oferecer riscos à saúde da puérpera e ou do recém-nascido, e ainda, o método mais utilizado para intervir nas situações onde a influência das crenças e tabus represente riscos, constou do ensino-aprendizagem. Conclui-se que a influência das crenças e tabus no puerpério se faz bem presente, merecendo atenção especial ao representar riscos à saúde da puérpera e do recém-nascido. Em contra partida, as crenças e tabus que não ofertarem riscos à saúde, não devem ser contrariadas, levando-se em consideração que colaboram para o bem-estar da puérpera. O enfermeiro deve dispor da interação e da construção de uma relação de confiança, utilizando-se do processo ensino-aprendizagem para promover o cuidado, além de criar um meio propício à criação de uma “nova cultura”.

Translation and adaptation of smoking relapse-prevention materials for pregnant and postpartum Hispanic women.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important behavior changes a pregnant woman can make, with health benefits extending beyond pregnancy for the woman and her child. Increasing numbers of pregnant women are quitting smoking; however, the majority resume smoking later in their pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. Previous research has demonstrated the efficacy of self-help smoking relapse-prevention booklets; however, there is a dearth of materials available in Spanish for Hispanic smokers. The goal of the present study was to translate and adapt existing, theoretically based, smoking relapse-prevention materials for pregnant and postpartum Hispanic women. This article describes the transcreation approach used to ensure the Forever Free for Baby and Me booklets were linguistically and culturally relevant for the heterogeneous populations of Hispanic women. The authors conducted multistage formative research to adapt the booklets and modify vignettes and graphics. Compared with previous research conducted with pregnant non-Hispanic women, results revealed the following: (a) a lack of association or concern about smoking and weight gain, (b) the importance of family approval of behavior, and (c) stress related to difficulties surrounding the immigration experience. The authors' qualitative findings confirm and extend past research that has suggested ways to enhance the cultural relevance and acceptability of a health intervention.

Low-income women's reproductive weight patterns empirically based clusters of prepregnant, gestational, and postpartum weights.

BACKGROUND: Women have varying weight responses to pregnancy and the postpartum period. The purpose of this study was to derive sub-groups of women based on differing reproductive weight clusters; to validate clusters by reference to adequacy of gestational weight gain (GWG) and postpartum incremental weight shifts; and to examine associations between clusters and demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial variables. METHOD: A cluster analysis was conducted of a multi-ethnic/racial sample of low-income women (n = 247). Clusters were derived from three weight variables: prepregnant body mass index, GWG, and postpartum retained weight. RESULTS: Five clusters were derived: Cluster 1, normal weight-high prenatal gain-average retain; cluster 2, normal weight-low prenatal gain-zero retain; cluster 3, high normal weight-high prenatal gain-high retain; cluster 4, obese-low prenatal gain-average retain; and cluster 5, overweight-very high prenatal gain-very high retain. Clusters differed with regard to postpartum weight shifts (p < .001), with clusters 3, 4, and 5, mostly gaining weight between 6 weeks and 12 months postpartum, whereas clusters 1 and 2 were losing weight. Clusters were also associated with race/ethnicity (p < .01), breastfeeding immediately postdelivery (p < .01), smoking at 12 months (p < .05), and reaching weight goals at 6 and 12 months (p < .001), but not depressive symptoms, fat intake habits, or physical activity. CONCLUSION: In a five-cluster solution, postpartum weight shifts, ethnicity, and initial breastfeeding were among factors associated with clusters. Monitoring of weight and appropriate intervention beyond the 6 weeks after birth is needed for low-income women in high normal weight, overweight, and obese clusters.

The effect of health and nutrition education intervention on women's postpartum beliefs and practices: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: 'Sitting month' is the Chinese tradition for postpartum customs. Available studies indicate that some of the traditional postpartum practices are potentially harmful for women's health. However, no intervention study aiming at postpartum practices has been performed. In this paper we evaluated the effect of a health and nutrition education intervention, which focused on improving postpartum dietary quality and optimal health behaviors. METHODS: The study design was a randomized controlled trial conducted in both urban and rural area of Hubei between August 2003 and June 2004. A total of 302 women who attended the antenatal clinic during the third trimester with an uncomplicated pregnancy were recruited. Women randomized to the education intervention group in both urban and rural area received two two-hour prenatal education sessions and four postpartum counseling visits. Control group women received usual health care during pregnancy and postpartum period. Women were followed up until 42 days postpartum. Outcome measures were nutrition and health knowledge, dietary behavior, health behavior and health problems during the postpartum period. RESULTS: Women in the intervention groups exhibited significantly greater improvement in overall dietary behaviors such as consumption of fruits, vegetables, soybean and soybean products as well as nutrition and health knowledge than those in the control groups. Significantly more women in the intervention groups give up the traditional behavior taboos. The incidence of constipation, leg cramp or joint pain and prolonged lochia rubra was significantly lower in the intervention groups as compared with the control groups. CONCLUSION: The study shows that health and nutrition education intervention enable the women take away some of the unhealthy traditional postpartum practices and decrease the prevalence of postpartum health problems. The intervention has potential for adaptation and development to large-scale implementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: klACTRN12607000549426.

Does religiosity affect health risk behaviors in pregnant and postpartum women?

OBJECTIVES: We examined the association between religious involvement and health risk behaviors such as smoking, drinking, marijuana use, and having multiple sex partners among a multiethnic sample of pregnant and postpartum women. METHODS: Using data from the National Survey of Family Growth, we estimated multivariate logistic regression models to determine the association between various aspects of religious involvement (e.g., attendance, salience, and denomination) and certain behaviors known to be risky for pregnant women and their offspring. RESULTS: Frequent (more than once a week) and regular (once a week) attenders at religious services had 80% and 60% (respectively) lower odds of drinking alcohol compared to women who attended less than once a week. Similar patterns surfaced with regard to smoking tobacco with the odds of smoking roughly 85% lower (OR = 0.146, P < 0.001) among frequent attenders, and nearly 65% lower among regular attenders (OR = 0.369, P < 0.001). For smoking marijuana, religious attendance again emerges as a strong predictor. The odds of marijuana smoking are nearly 75% lower for women who attend services frequently (OR = 0.260, P < 0.05) and more than 65% lower for those who attend regularly (OR = 0.343, P < 0.01), as compared with their counterparts who attend services less often. CONCLUSIONS: Religious attendance emerged as an important correlate of less-risky health behaviors among this nationwide sample of pregnant and postpartum women. Future research should include an examination of the links between religious involvement and other important lifestyle factors that may influence maternal and child health.

Postpartum practices of puerperal women and their influencing factors in three regions of Hubei, China.

BACKGROUND: 'Sitting month' is a Chinese tradition for women's postpartum custom. The present study aims to explore the postpartum dietary and health practices of puerperal women and identify their influential factors in three selected regions of Hubei, China. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted in the selected urban, suburban and rural areas in the province of Hubei from 1 March to 30 May 2003. A total of 2100 women who had given birth to full-term singleton infants in the past two years were selected as the participants. Data regarding postpartum practices and potentially related factors were collected through questionnaire by trained investigators. RESULTS: During the puerperium, 18% of the participants never ate vegetables, 78.8% never ate fruit and 75.7% never drank milk. Behaviour taboos such as no bathing, no hair washing or teeth brushing were still popular among the participants. About half of the women didn't get out of the bed two days after giving birth. The average time they stayed in bed during this period was 18.0 h. One third of them didn't have any outdoor activities in that time periods. The educational background of both women and their spouses, location of their residence, family income, postnatal visit, nutrition and health care educational courses were found to be the influencing factors of women's postpartum practices. CONCLUSION: Traditional postpartum dietary and health behaviours were still popular among women in Hubei. Identifying the factors associated with traditional postpartum practices is critical to develop better targeting health education programs. Updated Information regarding postpartum dietary and health practices should be disseminated to women.

The prevalence of smoking among pregnant and postpartum women in Israel: a national survey and review.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking during pregnancy is a significant health risk to the developing fetus. In order to develop and implement an appropriate preconceptional and prenatal smoking cessation program a national pregnancy risk survey was done. METHODS: The survey was conducted through the Public Health Service's, Mother and Child Health Clinics (MCHC). The nursing staff initiated structured interviews with pregnant women and mothers of newborn infants. Questions included in the survey addressed folic acid utilization, smoking habits, onset of prenatal care and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, of the 1613 questionnaires received with smoking data, 12.8% of the women had smoked either in the 3 months preceding their current pregnancy and/or during their pregnancy. The smoking prevalence in Jewish women, was significantly greater then that found among Arab women (17.2 and 3.0%, P<.001, OR=7.5, CI=4.2-13.4). The prevalence of smoking for the duration of the pregnancy was 8.0% among Jewish women and 1.8% among Arab women. Among Jewish women, smoking prevalence was significantly associated with education, women who had completed 12 years of education were more likely to be nonsmokers (P=.034, OR=1.8, CI=1.0-3). CONCLUSION: Smoking in the preconceptional and prenatal period is a significant problem among Jewish women. Since less years of education is a significant risk factor, smoking cessation programs should focus on this subgroup of Jewish women.

Exploring Chinese women's cultural beliefs and behaviours regarding the practice of "doing the month".

It is well recognized that individual health behavior is embedded in cultural patterns of exchange. This study sought to identify Chinese women's cultural beliefs and behaviors related "doing the month" and suggest how these are modified in the light of contemporary realities and experiences within the context of rapid social change. Ethnographic interview data was gathered by means of a telephone interviews (postnatally) with 100 eligible primiparous women who had attended hospital based antenatal programmes. The analysis highlighted a range of issues for these predominantly middle class women which included special postpartum dietary beliefs and behaviours including the avoidance of hot and cold food, the restorative powers of food, wind and water prohibitions, food prescriptions and prohibitions during breast feeding, the cultural imperative of timing and contemporary autonomy of women versus conforming to female centered kinship obligations. It is concluded that health professionals working with Chinese women need further awareness of the cultural significance of adherence to post natal practices and their fundamental links to the health status of post partum women, and family relationships.

Weight and behavioral and psychosocial factors among ethnically diverse, low-income women after childbirth: II. Trends and correlates.

OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a longitudinal analysis of behavioral and psychosocial correlates of weight trends during the first postpartum year. Data are derived from the Austin New Mothers Study (ANMS), a longitudinal study of a low-income, tri-ethnic sample of postpartum women that incorporated serial assessment of weight and behavioral and psychosocial variables. METHOD: Postpartum body mass index (BMI) was measured prospectively (post-delivery, 6 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum). The analytic sample consisted of 382 White, African American, and Hispanic women receiving maternity care funded by Medicaid who had at least three measured postpartum weights. Behavioral and psychosocial variables included energy intakes, fat intakes, physical activity, health related lifestyle, smoking, breastfeeding, contraception, depressive symptoms, emotional eating, body image, and weight-related distress. RESULTS: Using hierarchical linear modeling to incorporate baseline only and time-varying effects, significant associations with postpartum BMI were found for the following variables: ethnicity (p = .001), time of weight measurement (p < .001), the interaction of ethnicity and time (p = .005), pre-pregnant BMI (p < .001), gestational weight gain (p < .001), weight-related distress (p < .001), and energy intakes (p = .005). After adjusting for covariates, ethnic groups displayed differing trends in postpartum BMI resulting in White women having significantly lower BMIs at 12 months postpartum compared to ethnic minority women (p's < .01). CONCLUSION: Behavioral and psychosocial variables contribute to a fuller understanding of BMI status of low-income women during the first postpartum year.

Sexualidade da mulher no ciclo gravídico-puerperal e valores culturais / The woman's sexuality in the cycle gravidic puerperal and cultural values

O ciclo gravídico-puerperal é um período fisiológico na vida da mulher, quando ocorrem várias alterações físicas, orgânicas e sexuais, sendo estas motivo de preocupações durante a gravidez e o puerpério. O estudo objetiva compreender como as mulheres vivenciam a sexualidade durante o período gravídico-puerperal. Para a viabilização deste estudo, utilizei a abordagem qualitativa que se mostrou mais adequada para exploração dos discursos. Empreguei a entrevista semi-estruturada com 15 mulheres que vivenciaram a experiência e que frequentaram o Centro de Desenvolvimento Familiar durante o 2§ semestre de 1996. As mulheres moravam com o companheiro, tinham idade média de 26 anos, católicas, a maioria residia em Fortaleza, tinha o 1§ grau completo e desenvolvia atividades do lar. O apendizado sobre sexualidade deu-se através de conversas informais com amigas, de livros, revistas e televisão. Quanto ao desejo sexual na gestação, algumas mulheres permaneceram com a libido normal, outras referiram uma diminuição na frequência das atividades sexuais no início e no final da gestação em decorrência de desconfortos, o desconhecimento fisiológico da gestação e o fator cultural, que imprime inúmeras preocupações a respeito vida do concepto. Com relação ao puerpério, as mulheres demonstraram medo em reiniciar as atividades sexuais, embora algumas o tenham feito antes do tempo estabelecido do pós-parto. A carência afetiva foi um fator bastante presente em todos os depoimentos das mulheres. Quanto às crenças e tabus, os conceitos errôneos sobre alimentação e comportamento físico foram facilmente absorvidos por estas mulheres. Estes conceitos foram passados pelas mães, vizinhas e a amigas. Cheguei à conclusão de que as mulheres demonstraram em suas falas desconhecimento acerca do seu corpo e sobre sexualidade, o que interfere de modo geral no relacionamento conjugal

La morbilidad y mortalidad materna en la altura en el Perú / The morbility and maternal mortality at high altitude in Peru

Dos indicadores importantes de la salud de un país son la morbilidad materna y la mortalidad materna, los que igualmente forman parte del riesgo reproductivo, poco estudiado en el Perú y en especial en aquellas zonas deprimidas socioeconómicamente como las de la sierra (altura) La vigilancia de la morbilidad y mortalidad maternas en la sierra de nuestro país permitirá identificar los factores de riesgo y establecer medidas de prevención y de control que permitan evitar muchas muertes maternas. El propósito de este artículo es evaluar la morbilidad y mortalidad materna en la altura del Perú. La mortalidad por complicaciones del embarazo, parto y puerperio es del 0.70 por ciento en la estructura de mortalidad general del país para los años 1980 a 1985. Los egresos hospitalarios para 1980-82 para aborto fue del 35 por ciento, parto obstruido 15 por ciento, hemorragia del embarazo y parto 6.1 por ciento, toxemia y complicaciones del puerperio 3.1 por ciento y otros 38 por ciento. Las tasas de egresos hospitalarios son mayores en la costa y selva que en la sierra, sin variación anual, siendo las principlaes causas de aborto, parto obstruído y hemorragia del embarazo y parto en las tres regiones. En cambio, las tasas de mortalidad materna son más altas en la sierra que en la selva y la costa, siendo las principales causas hemorragia del embarazo y parto; complicaiones del puerperio y por aborto. En conclusión, es necesario determinar la incidencia de la morbilidad y mortalidad materna para evaluar la magnitud del problema y determinar los factores de riesgo y establecer un sistema de vigilancia de estos indicadores de la salud reproductiva, buscando medidas de asociación y de impacto que permitan delinear políticas de salud en la siera del Perú.

Gingivitis en gestantes y puerperas de altura y del nivel del mar / Gingivitis in pregnants and puerpereas at high altitude and at sea level

Se estudiaron gestantes del primer, segundo y tercer trimestre, puerperas y no gestantes nativas y residentes en altitud y del nivel del mar, respecto al grado de severidad de la gingivitis; todas las pacientes estudiadas tuvieron un Indice de Placa Blanda de Sillnes y Loe (IPB) menor o igual a 0.5 en el momento del examen gingival. Se encontró algún grado de gingivitis en todos los casos estudiados, sin embargo, la severidad fue menor en la altura que al nivel del mar. En ambas altitudes la severidad de gingivitis aumenta progresivamente con la edad gestacional, disminuyendo después del parto a niveles de gingivitis no menores a los determinados en el segundo trimestre gestacional.