Gut virome and microbiome dynamics before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection in women living with HIV and their infants.

Microbiome perturbations can have long-term effects on health. The dynamics of the gut microbiome and virome in women living with HIV (WLHIV) and their newborn infants is poorly understood. Here, we performed metagenomic sequencing analyses on longitudinal stool samples including 23 mothers (13 WLHIV, 10 HIV-negative) and 12 infants that experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection with mild disease, as well as 40 mothers (18 WLHIV, 22 HIV-negative) and 60 infants that remained SARS-CoV-2 seronegative throughout the study follow-up. Regardless of HIV or SARS-CoV-2 status, maternal bacterial and viral profiles were distinct from infants. Using linear mixed effects models, we showed that the microbiome alpha diversity trajectory was not significantly different between SARS-CoV-2 seropositive and seronegative women. However, seropositive women's positive trajectory while uninfected was abruptly reversed after SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.015). Gut virome signatures of women were not associated with SARS-CoV-2. Alterations in infant microbiome and virome diversities were generally not impacted by SARS-CoV-2 but were rather driven by development. We did not find statistically significant interactions between HIV and SARS-CoV-2 on the gut microbiome and virome. Overall, our study provides insights into the complex interplay between maternal and infant bacterial microbiome, virome, and the influence of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV status.

Ethiopian women's tokophobia of childbirth and its predictors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Fear of childbirth is recognized as a growing problem in developing countries, including Ethiopia. The impact of this fear on women's reproductive choices and decisions is significant. Therefore, the systematic review and meta-analysis will help to consolidate the existing research on childbirth-related fear in Ethiopia. Synthesizing the findings and providing a pooled prevalence estimate, can contribute to a better understanding of the scale of the problem in the country. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the pooled prevalence of childbirth-related fear and its associated factors among pregnant mothers in Ethiopia. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online were searched for included articles. A weighted inverse-variance random-effects model was used to estimate the prevalence of childbirth-related fear. Variations in the pooled estimates of the prevalence were adjusted through subgroup analysis according to the specific region where the study was conducted. Funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to check for publication bias. STATA version 14 statistical software was used for meta-analysis. Results: A total of 2,015 pregnant mothers were included. The combined prevalence of fear of childbirth among pregnant mothers was found to be 21% (95% CI: 19-22; I 2 = 0.00%, p value < 0.001). Based on the subgroup analysis, the prevalence of fear of childbirth among pregnant mothers was 24% in SNNPRs, 25% in Oromia, and 11% in Addis Ababa. Conclusion: The findings of the meta-analysis indicating a high prevalence of fear of childbirth among pregnant mothers in Ethiopia and identifying associated risk factors highlight the importance of addressing this issue within the healthcare system. Integrating prevention-based services for mothers with childbirth fears into the antenatal care model could be a valuable approach to support women and mitigate the impact of fear on their reproductive experiences. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#myprospero, identifier [CRD42023411103].

Exploring the lived experience of mothers of children with leukemia: a qualitative study from Iran.

BACKGROUND: Leukemia, as one of the most common pediatric cancers, has negatively affected many children around the world. Parents often experience increased feeling of distress shortly after being informed about their child's diagnosis. The distress experienced by parents can adversely affect various aspects of their life. This study aimed to develop an understanding of the lived experience of the mothers whose children suffer from leukemia in Shiraz, Iran. METHODS: This phenomenological study was performed from April to August 2023, and 10 people were selected as participants by purposive sampling. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were performed for collecting the data. RESULTS: The participants' lived experiences during their children's leukemia were classified into five main categories, namely behavioral problems, spiritual issues, psychological problems, issues related to treatment, and economic matters. CONCLUSION: Knowing the experiences of parents, especially mothers, in managing and planning for the care of these children seems essential.

Mental health in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study.

The increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has placed a significant emotional and psychological burden on mothers. We explored the association between the severity of ASD symptoms in children and the mental health of their mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study included 1,924 mothers of children with ASD, enrolled in a web-based cross-sectional survey over 85 consecutive days to gather clinical and sociodemographic data. The severity of ASD symptoms was obtained according to the children's age. Using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21) scale, we found that 35.8 percent of mothers experienced both anxiety and depression. A high education level and a high family income reduced the chance of concurrent anxiety and depression. Conversely, unemployment, a child using psychiatric medication, and higher severity of ASD symptoms increased the chance. Notably, the severity of the ASD symptom was the sole predictor of maternal co-occurring anxiety and depression across all age groups (<3 years aOR = 2.04, 95%CI 1.07-3.89; 3-5 years aOR = 2.76, 95%CI 1.67-4.56; ≥ 6 years aOR = 1.61, 95%CI 1.04-2.50). Recognizing the challenges associated with ASD leads to greater acceptance and tailored interventions, ultimately improving the overall well-being of both individuals with ASD and their mothers.

A qualitative study of postpartum practices and social support of Chinese mothers following childbirth in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: Asian migrants follow many traditional postpartum beliefs and practices after childbirth to protect both mother and child. Chinese mothers are often expected to stay at home for 4-6 weeks while observing certain restrictions known as postpartum confinement, or "Zuo Yue Zi." AIM: To explore how Chinese mothers followed postpartum practices and the social support they needed while in Switzerland. METHODS: Twenty-seven Chinese mothers and their families were interviewed at an average of six months postpartum. Thematic analysis was performed on the data. RESULTS: Chinese mothers in Switzerland continued following postpartum practices, including home confinement, cold avoidance, a minimum involvement in household chores, and hot dietary consumption. Meanwhile, they modified and abandoned certain restrictions, such as avoiding prolonged bed rest or excessive high-protein diets and preserving personal hygiene. Family members were their primary supporters, while mothers from "cross-cultural" families faced difficulties obtaining substantial support from their foreign partners or in-laws. Social support from independent midwives (sage femmes), privately paid helpers (yue sao), and Chinese migrant communities was important during this transitional period. CONCLUSION: The conventional concept of "confinement" has evolved into a more supportive approach that prioritises physical and psychological comfort. It plays a crucial role in postpartum recovery and serves as a connection with cultural identity and an opportunity for family reunions for Chinese women living abroad. There is a need for Western maternity caregivers to understand and recognise the postpartum traditions of Asian migrants and to provide them with culturally sensitive care and professional support.

Dyadic associations between marital satisfaction and coparenting quality: gender differences and the moderating role of caregiving identity.

Our study investigated the contribution of caregiving identity in the association between marital satisfaction and coparenting quality in fathers and mothers from a sample of opposite-sex couples of young children living in different areas of the United States. We conducted nested Actor-Partner Interdependence Models and moderation tests to examine potential differences between fathers and mothers in associations between marital satisfaction and coparenting quality, as well as the role of caregiving identity in the association. Results confirmed gender differences in the association between marital satisfaction and coparenting. Both mother's and father's caregiving identity interacted with their own marital satisfaction, but these interactions only impacted the coparenting quality reported by mothers. Additionally, caregiving identity in fathers and mothers was associated with the coparenting quality reported by their spouses. Our study highlighted the important role of caregiving identity in understanding the relation between marital satisfaction and coparenting quality in the intrafamilial processes of couples with young children.

Behind Prison Walls: Critical Overview of the Mental Health Trajectories of Children Living With Incarcerated Mothers.

Insufficient resources have been identified as a significant factor contributing to delayed development across all domains for children living with their incarcerated mothers. Often lacking extended family support, these children experience environments resembling confinement, devoid of essential cognitive, social, and emotional stimuli crucial for their development. This deprivation can result in substantial educational setbacks and hinder their social integration. This review aims to examine the impact of the prison environment on the development of children residing with their incarcerated mothers. Current research underscores a notable scarcity of comprehensive data on the developmental paths of these children. Some studies suggest that prison nurseries may cultivate positive intergenerational attachments, potentially mitigating the typically low resilience observed in cases of maternal separation. However, while lower-order cognitive functions may not exhibit significant delays, the development of higher-order thinking skills presents more considerable challenges. Addressing the developmental risks faced by children in prison settings is critical, given their heightened vulnerability to systemic neglect. Therefore, prioritizing optimal child development is essential to ensure these children achieve their milestones.

Comparing the effectiveness of a breastfeeding arm sling with the normal cross-cradle hold position: A quasi-experimental study in Thailand.

INTRODUCTION: In Thailand, the exclusive breastfeeding rate remains low at 14% in 2019, despite the World Health Organization's recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Many mothers experience challenges such as lack of confidence, fatigue, and discomfort while breastfeeding. To address these issues, the novel arm sling innovation device was developed to provide support during breastfeeding. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of breastfeeding using the arm sling versus the normal cross-cradle hold among first-time mothers and to evaluate their satisfaction with the breastfeeding arm sling. METHODS: A quasi-experimental crossover design was employed in the postpartum unit at Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand, in 2022. Forty-six first-time mothers breastfed using both a breastfeeding arm sling and the normal cross-cradle hold, with a washout period in between. Breastfeeding effectiveness was measured by mothers and nurse-midwives using questionnaires, and mothers' satisfaction with the sling was assessed. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics and t-tests. RESULTS: The breastfeeding arm sling innovation significantly improved breastfeeding effectiveness compared to the normal cross-cradle hold, reported by both mothers (t=4.32, p<0.001) and nurse-midwives (t=8.93, p<0.001). Most mothers expressed satisfaction with the arm sling, though some design aspects, such as ease of use, require improvement. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the breastfeeding arm sling can potentially improve breastfeeding experiences for first-time mothers. Further research is needed on a larger scale and in more diverse settings to confirm these findings and to improve the sling's design for user-friendliness.

Evaluation of vitamin D in the diagnosis of infants with respiratory distress, the clinical value: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory distress (RD) is the most common cause of admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The role of Vitamin D in the development and fortification of fetal pulmonary architecture and the synthesis of surfactants is well-documented. While different serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (Vit. D) have been studied for their diagnostic significance in RD, there is limited research on how it specifically affects the development of respiratory problems in infants and their mothers. The purpose of the present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the correlation between serum levels of Vit. D in mothers and newborns with RD, and to determine the impact of treating either population on the clinical outcomes of afflicted infants. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across various databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, ISI, and Google Scholar, using a combination of keywords such as RD, diagnosis, vitamin D, mothers, infants, vitamin D supplementation, Respiratory distress syndrome(RDS), and Transient Tachypnea of Newborn (TTN). The search was carried out until March 2024.The level of vitamin D in both mothers and their infants was systematically extracted and analyzed to determine the diagnostic efficacy of Vit. D levels. The mean difference (MD) was calculated along with a 95% confidence interval to determine the association between the Vit. D levels in newborns and their mothers and the likelihood of RD, RDS and TTN in infants. To assess potential publication bias, a funnel plot was generated and Egger's regression test was applied, utilizing a random-effects model. RESULTS: Initially a total of 298 relevant articles was retrieved. Among them, 17 articles with a total of 1,582 infants (745 cases and 837 healthy controls) met the criteria as eligible studies. Of these six were prospective cohort studies, four retrospective case-control studies, four randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and three descriptive-analytical studies. The meta-results revealed a significant association between Vit. D levels and risk of RD in infants (MD = 6.240, 95 %CI: 4.840-7.840, P < 0.001) and mothers (MD = 8.053, 95 %CI: 4.920-11.186, P < 0.001). Furthermore, a strong association was found for risk of RDS (MD = 5.493, 95 %CI: 3.356-7.631, P < 0.001) in infants and TTN (MD = 6.672, 95 %CI: 4.072-9.272, P < 0.001), (MD = 8.595, 95%CI: 4.604-12.586, P < 0.001) both in infants and mothers. Administering 50,000 units of vitamin D to mothers (MD = 8.595, 95 %CI: 4.604-12.586, P < 0.001) prior to childbirth was observed to reduce the likelihood of RD in newborns by 64 % (RR = 0.36, 95 %CI: 0.23-0.57, P < 0.001). Supplemental vitamin D provided to infants was associated with several clinical benefits. CONCLUSION: Our meta-results indicated a significant correlation between serum levels of Vit. D and the risk of RD, RDS and TTN in infants. Prophylactic maternal administration of vitamin D plays a protective role against neonatal RD. Additionally, providing vitamin D to premature infants has shown a significant impact in reducing the incidence of respiratory complications.

Practice of key essential nutrition action messages and associated factors among mothers of children aged six months to two years old in Karat town, Konso zone, South Ethiopia, 2024: a community-based cross-sectional study.

Background: Key essential nutrition actions (ENA) messages are a comprehensive and evidence-based nutritional package designed to improve the nutritional status during the critical first 1,000 days of life. The poor practice of ENA contributes significantly to mortality and morbidity related to malnutrition in young children. However, there is a dearth of studies focusing on the practice of key ENA messages among mothers and the factors associated with their practice. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the practice of key ENA messages among mothers of children aged 6 months to 2 years in Karat town, Konso zone, South Ethiopia in 2024. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study involving 421 mothers of children aged 6 months to 2 years was conducted in Karat town, Konso zone, South Ethiopia from January 15 to February 29, 2024. Respondents were chosen using computer-generated random numbers. A structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Following coding and entry into EpiData 3.1, the data were exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Logistic regression (bivariate and multivariable) was employed to identify factors influencing mothers' practice of key ENA messages, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Results: The study found that 47.6% (95% CI: 42.8, 52.42%) of mothers demonstrated good practices. Having secondary education or higher, institutional delivery, receiving nutritional counseling during antenatal care (ANC), receipt of postnatal care (PNC) services, having good knowledge, and having a good attitude towards ENA all increase the likelihood of good practice. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for multifaceted interventions to improve ENA practice among mothers residing in Karat town. To effectively address this issue, it is crucial to implement targeted education programs, strengthen postnatal care services, and nutritional counseling into routine antenatal care, promote institutional deliveries, and enhance awareness.

Diabetes in pregnancy and offspring cardiac function: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with impaired offspring cardiac function. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the effect of diabetes in pregnancy on cardiac function in the offspring measured by echocardiography. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL and Web of Science databases were searched from 1992 to June 27, 2023. Studies reporting offspring (age < 18 years) cardiac function by echocardiography compared between any type of diabetes in pregnancy and healthy control pregnancies were included. Study selection, quality assessment and risk of bias was independently performed by two reviewers. Meta-analyses was performed where possible. Results: Thirty-one observational studies were included 1,679 cases and 2,694 controls. In the first week of life (23 studies, n = 2,663), intraventricular septum diastolic diameter (hypertrophy) was increased, while myocardial performance index (global function) and LV E/A-ratio (diastolic function) were decreased. No difference was found for left ventricular ejection fraction (systolic function). At 1-6 months (4 studies, n = 454) studies found hypertrophy, and decreased global function, but no difference in systolic or diastolic function. At 1-8 years (7 studies, n = 1,609) no difference was found. The available data did not allow for sub-analysis based on the type of diabetes, treatment, or glycemic control. Conclusions: Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with cardiac hypertrophy and impaired global cardiac function in infants up to six months old. The few studies reporting on older children found no difference in the parameters investigated. Longitudinal studies employing more advanced echocardiographic measures or MRI are needed to evaluate consequences for long-term cardiac health. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, identifier (CRD42022312471).

Explore the lived childbirth experiences, challenges following childbirth, and coping strategies of teenage mothers: A qualitative meta-synthesis.

PROBLEM: Worldwide, 16 million girls give birth during adolescence each year, which has negative health, social, and economic consequences for adolescent women's future. BACKGROUND: Childbirths occurring between the ages of 13-19, before teenage girls have reached the age of maturity to handle the parenting role, are often unplanned. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of lived childbirth experiences, identify the challenges of early motherhood, and explore the coping strategies employed by teenage mothers to overcome these challenges during the transition to motherhood. METHODS: Six commonly cited databases were used to retrieve articles using the SPIDER framework. We utilized the Walsh and Downe quality appraisal tool, which is considered the most appropriate fit for the current qualitative meta-synthesis. The thematic analysis approach was used to draw conclusions and generate hypotheses. RESULTS: This meta-synthesis showed that teenage mothers often encounter negative reactions from their partners, families, and communities due to their early childbirth. They face numerous challenges, including parenting incompetency, school dropout, conflict between adolescent interests and maternal responsibilities, emotional disturbance, and financial problems. Social support and self-efficacy are the main coping strategies to navigate these challenges and attain maternal competencies. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Families, peers, and midwives play a crucial role in providing parenting lessons for teenage mothers. Encouraging teenage mothers to believe in their capacities is an important coping strategy to facilitate a smoother motherhood transition. Further studies are needed to test the effectiveness of self-efficacy and social support interventions on teenage mothers' parenthood role attainment and in preventing mental health problems following childbirth.

[Association between financial anxiety and subjective health and physical fatigue perceptions among mothers of 18-month-old infants].

Objective　Poverty is a factor that affects children's health through its role in parental depression and stress. While the association between financial status and depression or quality of life scores of mothers has been previously reported in Japan, no study has focused on mothers' subjective health and physical fatigue perceptions. This study aimed to examine the relationship between mothers' financial anxiety and subjective health and physical fatigue perceptions.Methods　We conducted a survey in parents attending routine health checkups for their 18-month-old infant in a single area of City A between November 2017 and October 2019. After excluding those for whom the required analysis data were missing, we analyzed data from 779 parents who responded to the survey and consented to the use of their children's health checkup data. The response variables were maternal subjective health and physical fatigue perceptions, and the explanatory variables were the presence of financial anxiety in mothers at their child's 3- or 18-month health checkups and financial anxiety situation in both periods. Financial anxiety was classified into four groups according to status at the 3- and 18-month time points. The independence of the qualitative variables among these four groups was verified using Fisher's exact test, and the relationship between financial anxiety and maternal subjective health and physical fatigue perceptions was evaluated using logistic regression analysis.Results　Financial anxiety was present in 54 mothers (6.9%) and 46 mothers (5.9%) at the 3- and 18-month checkup, respectively. Analysis of financial anxiety in both periods showed that 695 mothers (89.2%) had no financial anxiety at either time point, 30 (3.9%) had financial anxiety only at the 18-month checkup, 38 (4.9%) had financial anxiety only at the 3-month checkup, and 16 (2.1%) had financial anxiety at both time points. At the 18-month checkup, the odds ratios of poor subjective health and severe physical fatigue perceptions were 3.85 (95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.34-11.05) and 6.58 (95% CI; 2.18-19.85), respectively, among the mothers who had financial anxiety at both time points compared to those who had no financial anxiety at either time point.Conclusion　Financial anxiety may affect mothers' health. Therefore, mothers should be provided with solution-oriented support geared toward mitigating financial anxiety, in coordination with affiliated organizations, if financial anxiety is detected.

Uncertainty, knowledge, and anxiety of mothers concerning febrile seizure: A comparison between affected and unaffected mothers.

BACKGROUND: Febrile seizures are the most common type of convulsions affecting children aged six months to five years. However, febrile seizures can be difficult to identify due to the vague nature of the symptoms, which can lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment. Thus, this study explores febrile seizure-related uncertainty, knowledge, and anxiety among mothers. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional design included 190 Jordanian mothers, about half with children having febrile seizure history. Instruments included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Parental Perception of Uncertainty Scale (PPUS), and Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, Concerns, and Practices (KACP). RESULTS: Mothers exhibited poor febrile seizure knowledge, with affected mothers significantly scoring higher than unaffected. Affected mothers had higher state and trait anxiety and uncertainty. Correlations showed uncertainty positively correlated with anxiety. Regression analysis showed that trait anxiety and knowledge predicted uncertainty in affected mothers, while only trait anxiety predicted uncertainty in unaffected mothers. CONCLUSION: Mothers, especially those with affected children, demonstrated low febrile seizure knowledge, high anxiety, and uncertainty. Lack of knowledge may contribute to ineffective febrile seizure management. The study identifies trait anxiety and knowledge as predictors of uncertainty, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare professionals can design interventions targeting febrile seizure education and anxiety reduction. Policymakers should focus on raising awareness and allocating resources for effective interventions, potentially improving children with febrile seizure outcomes. This study underscores the importance of addressing maternal knowledge gaps, anxiety, and uncertainty related to febrile seizures, suggesting the need for comprehensive educational programs and support strategies for mothers.

How Do Households Fare Economically When Mothers Become Their Primary Financial Support?

The economic circumstances in which children grow up have garnered much scholarly attention due to their close associations with well-being over the life course. While it has been well-documented that children are increasingly growing up in households where their primary financial support comes from their mother, regardless of whether she is partnered or single, the consequences for household economic well-being are unclear. We use the 2014 Survey of Income and Program Participation to quantify how a mother's transition into primary earner status affects the economic well-being of her household and if the effects differ based on her relationship status. On average, household income declines and more households are unable to meet their economic needs once the mother becomes the primary earner. However, these declines in income are concentrated among partnered-mother households and mothers who transition from partnered to single during the year. At the same time, although many single mothers see an increase in household income, the majority of these households are still unable to meet their economic needs. These findings suggest that the shift to a welfare system that requires employment coupled with structural changes in the labor market have created financial hardship for most families.

Adolescent girls' and young mothers' knowledge and use of antenatal care in the Ahafo Region, Ghana: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND:  Antenatal care (ANC) is crucial to reducing maternal and neonatal deaths, but few studies examined adolescent girls' and young women's ANC utilisation and knowledge in Ghana. AIM:  To assess adolescents' and young mothers' knowledge of ANC, utilisation and factors influencing its use in Ghana. SETTING:  Tano North Municipality, Ahafo Region. METHODS:  This community-based, cross-sectional study involved 440 adolescent and young mothers (between 10 and 24 years). A structured questionnaire was employed to collect data face-to-face. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed, and p  0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS:  Of the 440 respondents, most were aged 20-24 years (61.2%), married (30.0%), Christians (78.2%), completed junior high school (JHS) (47.8%) and traders (38.9%). Postnatal mothers were 71.6% (315), and all had utilised ANC services. Antenatal care knowledge was good among 75% (330) respondents, with no significant variation by age. Religion influenced knowledge, with Muslims having lower knowledge. Antenatal care utilisation was high ( 50%) among those aged 15-19 years, married, Christians, JHS graduates and traders. Age, marital status and employment type significantly influenced ANC utilisation. Individuals in the age group 15-19 years and married women demonstrated higher odds of utilising ANC services. Casual workers and unemployed respondents were found to have lower odds of utilising ANC services compared to traders. CONCLUSION:  Age, marital status, and employment type influenced ANC utilisation in the Ahafo Region. Adolescent mothers under 15 years had lower rates, requiring targeted interventions to improve pregnancy outcomes.Contribution: This study highlights the knowledge and factors influencing ANC use in Ahafo Region and adds to the existing research evidence on ANC.

Relationships between work-family conflict and family structure in the lives of working mothers in Hungary - a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The family, as the basic socialization environment, is a complex dynamic system that - as a whole and through its subsystems - is in relationships with other social systems (Bagdy in Family socialization and personality disorders. Nemzeti Tankönyvkiadó, Budapest, 2002; Lakatos et al. in Mentálhigiéné és Pszichoszomatika 21(1):56-85, 2020). The system with which the family system has long-term relationships is the work system/environment. Creating and maintaining a work-life balance has become a central issue in our societies, as they are two of the most organising forces, and reconciling them is a very difficult task due to the demands and expectations coming from both directions, often simultaneously (Makra et al. in Magyar Pszichológiai Szemle 67(3):491-518, 2012). This kind of "double burden" primarily affects women, but their increasing role in the labour market is not necessarily followed by an equal sharing of work within family life (Engler et al. in Work-life balance in women's careers. In: Tardos K, Paksi V, Fábri Gy (eds) Scientific careers in the early 21st century. Belvedere Meridionale, Szeged, pp 114-126, 2021). We hypothesise that involvement in work negatively correlates with work-life balance, making it more difficult to integrate into the family. It was expected that the relationship between the number of children and mothers' professional involvement would be negative. A positive correlation was expected between the age of the youngest child and the mothers' work involvement. On the other hand, a family united by cohesion and resilience leads to higher job satisfaction. METHODS: For the present analysis, we analysed the relationships between work-family conflict and family structure in working mothers with children in a sample of 273 participants. The self-reported questionnaire included demographic data and 2 standard questionnaires: the Work-Family Conflict Questionnaire and the Olson-Family Test (FACES-IV.). The study was conducted in Hungary. RESULTS: No significant relationship was found between work involvement and work-family conflict. A negative relationship was observed between work involvement and family involvement. Similiarily, no significant relationship was found between the number of children, the age of the youngest child and work involvement, contrary to expectations. The findings indicate a positive relationship between good family cohesion, flexibility and job satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Striking a work-family balance is a challenging process for families with young children, especially working mothers. A mutually negative relationship between work and family involvement has been shown. The importance of a well-functioning family, with adequate cohesion and flexibility, is reflected in family and job satisfaction. The relationship between work-to-family conflict and job involvement is moderated significantly only when family flexibility is low. The results from the present pilot study indicate important relationships between variables and point to further research directions worth investigating in a larger sample in the future.

Infant feeding knowledge, attitudes and practices of HIV-positive breastfeeding mothers.

Background: Assessment of infant feeding knowledge, attitudes and practices of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive breastfeeding mothers may determine compliance with the chosen feeding method. Aim: The study assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices on infant feeding among HIV-positive breastfeeding mothers. Setting: The study was conducted at five clinics in the Chief Albert Luthuli sub-district of Mpumalanga, South Africa. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with a convenient sample of 155 HIV-positive breastfeeding mothers. Results: More than half of the participants (54.8%) were knowledgeable of exclusive breastfeeding in general. However, less than half were knowledgeable of exclusive breastfeeding in the context of HIV (46.5%), mixed feeding (28.4%) and replacement feeding (49.0%). Most participants (85.8%) reported that they were advised to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months, 61.3% intended to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months, and 29% intended to stop breastfeeding at 6 months. Most participants (64.5%) intended to introduce solids at 6 months, and for participants who intended to introduce solids before 6 months, 37.7% did not believe that exclusive breastfeeding was sufficient for the baby. Conclusion: Although most participants were knowledgeable about exclusive breastfeeding, there were misconceptions that required attention such as the lack of knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding in the context of HIV, mixed feeding and replacement feeding. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was the most emphasised infant feeding practice. Contribution: This study builds on existing literature on infant feeding knowledge, attitudes and practices and provides a basis for interventions for improved exclusive breastfeeding rates.

Feeding practices of caregivers with children attending early childhood development centres in Xhariep, South Africa.

Background: In low- to middle-income countries, malnutrition is a major contributing factor in children failing to achieve their developmental potential. The prevention of malnutrition requires, among others, nutritious, diverse and safe foods in early childhood. Aim: The study aimed to determine primary caregivers' choices and motivation for the foods they fed their children. Setting: The study was conducted among early childhood development centres in the Xhariep District, Free State. Methods: A qualitative study was undertaken. Twelve participants who met the inclusion criteria were conveniently sampled. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to find out the primary caregivers' choices and motivation for foods they fed their children until data saturation was reached. Results: The mean age of the participants was 31 years. Nine of the participants relied on social grants as a source of income. The participants reported feeding their children mainly maize porridge, milk, juice, and water. Vegetables and meat were fed to the children once a week. Fruits were fed to the children at the beginning of the month. Conclusion: The level of education, employment status, and community support influenced the primary caregivers' feeding practices. The content of the diets of their children was insufficient in vegetables and fruit, not only placing the children at risk of undernutrition but also at risk of obesity and micronutrient deficiencies. Primary caregivers ensured their children were fed, although limited foods were offered. Contribution: This research creates awareness of the level of social progress and access to resources within rural communities in the Xhariep district, and gives the opportunity to extend this research to confirm these findings in other poverty-stricken areas.

The influence of infant sleep problems and sleep training on maternal subjective well-being.

Background: Disturbed sleep during infancy and early childhood can have a detrimental effect on parental sleep and consequently parental well-being. However, there is a paucity of research on how perceived child sleep problems and behavioural sleep interventions as treatment influence maternal subjective well-being. Aim: This study aimed to explore the incidence of subjective well-being in mothers of children with sleep problems and whether implementing two behavioural sleep interventions changed their well-being. Setting: The research was conducted in a community setting, with parents voluntarily approaching a sleep consultancy based in South Africa. Method: Using data from 119 mothers voluntarily approaching a sleep consultancy in South Africa, a pre-test-post-test design was employed to investigate changes in life satisfaction, affect, couple satisfaction, perceived stress and depression approximately 3 weeks after implementation of a sleep intervention. Results: Results indicate that mothers of children with sleep problems experienced moderate to high life satisfaction and positive affect although the presence of moderate negative affect, couple satisfaction and stress and mild depression suggest possible decreased subjective well-being. Conclusion: Findings suggest implementation of graduated extinction and extinction with parental presence sleep interventions may improve life satisfaction, affect, stress and depression but not couple satisfaction in the short-term. Contribution: This study contributes towards understanding the effect of sleep loss on the subjective well-being of mothers and provides preliminary evidence regarding the benefits of two sleep interventions for improving maternal subjective well-being.