Indian Mothers Research Articles

Optimization of Infant Nutrition: Exploring Feeding Practices Among Indian Mothers

Optimization of Infant Nutrition: Exploring Feeding Practices Among Indian Mothers

Mothers’ perspectives on the use and acceptability of 3d printed prosthesis by their children with congenital upper limb difference in India: a qualitative study

Purpose Children with congenital upper limb difference (CULD) in India have limited access to treatment with conventional prostheses. 3D printed prosthetic devices (3DPP) can function as transitional prostheses for growing children with congenital transverse deficiency. They are low-cost and the designs are easily customized. However, functional outcomes, access, and acceptability are still unexplored in many clinical settings. This qualitative study sought perspectives from Indian mothers of children with CULD using 3DPP for the first time. The objective was to enhance understanding of 3DPP acceptability and to explore how their children utilized these devices. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven mothers of children aged 3 to 11 years with varying levels of CULD who had been fitted with a 3DPP for at least 1 month prior. The interviews aimed to gather insights into the children’s daily experiences with the devices and the mothers’ perceptions of 3DPP. Thematic analysis was carried out using an inductive approach. Results Four major themes were identified through thematic analysis. They were: 1. Design and functionality of 3DPP, 2. Adaptation patterns, 3. Social attitudes and perceptions, and 4. Access to the Center for congenital hand differences: location and its services. Conclusion Our study explores the early-stage use and acceptance of 3DPP in India. Mothers reported several reasons for prosthesis abandonment including functional limitations, pain, and unmet expectations. The acceptability of 3DPP was moderate among close family, but social stigmatization was still a barrier to continued use. Addressing these issues and offering tailored solutions could be important to achieve successful 3DPP adaptation.

Cultural Perceptions of Language Development in a Population Sample of 54-Month-Old Children From Aotearoa New Zealand.

There is a dearth of information on cultural perceptions of children's language development for ethnic minorities in New Zealand to guide service provision. The current study explored differences across ethnicities in mothers' report of language concern and child language scores within a complex cultural, social, educational, and political context. Data from the antenatal and 54-month waves of Growing Up in New Zealand were utilized. At the 54-month wave interviews, 5,053 mothers were asked if language concerns had been raised and to rate their child's main language proficiency along with other measures. Logistic regression models (including influencing variables) indicated Chinese, Indian, and other Asian mothers were less likely to report language concern, whereas Māori, Pacific, other Asian, and Middle Eastern, Latin American, and African children were more likely to score low on the language measure. Higher maternal education was associated with higher child main language scores, but not with language concerns. Child multilingualism was not associated with low language scores, and these mothers were less likely to raise concern. This study demonstrated differences by ethnicity in mothers' language concern and child main language scores, which are likely to affect access to speech-language pathology services, as these typically rely on parent concern being expressed. Cultural bias in the language measure may also be present. Further research is needed to ask ethnic communities their views on culturally appropriate ways to identify children with communication needs and to develop culturally safe services.

Exploratory Study on Various Types of Leisure Activities of Indian Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder- A Qualitative Analysis

The purpose of this study was to identify the important components of leisure and to comprehensively assess various leisure time activities, that entail the overall well-being of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with indispensable demanding care of children with autism. A cross-sectional design with interpretivism and an inductive approach on a sample of 61 mothers of children with ASD, in India was used to explore various leisure time activities. Mothers engaging in the leisure of individual choice for self-replenishment, social connectedness, and happiness in life despite the demanding care of the child with autism were identified. The face, content, and construct validity are maintained in its preliminary stage. This study aimed to explore various leisure activities in the lives of mothers of children with ASD. The 7 categories of Leisure activities (LA) are Entertainment activities, Outings, Social events, Sports and physical exercises, Homemaking and other fruitful involvements, Arts, and intellectuals, Resting and relaxation, as diversionary activities to energize, divert, and relax as fun and free-time identified in the context of Indian mothers.

Factors influencing perceptions of processed baby foods and feeding practices among Indian mothers: a qualitative investigation

ObjectiveTo explore how professionally qualified, working Indian mothers conceptualize healthy foods in general, perceive processed infant and baby foods available commercially and what feeding practices they actually follow with their children at home.DesignFive focus groups with 8–12 participants were conducted around the participants’ conceptualization of healthy food, their perceptions about commercially available processed baby and infant foods and their actual feeding practices that they routinely follow with their children. Discussion transcripts were analyzed using an inductive coding approach.SettingIndia.ParticipantsFifty-one professionally qualified, working women with at least one child under 5 years of age.ResultsParticipants agreed that fresh food is healthiest. They also had favorable opinions about processed infant and baby foods with regards to healthfulness, hygiene and safety. Healthy foods were largely conceptualized in relation to nutrient claims, ingredients and discernible health outcomes. They use cues, such as health claims, brand, price, package design and others to determine healthfulness of the product. Perception was heavily influenced by these extrinsic cues rather than by participants’ own nutrition knowledge. Despite having the knowledge, most participants admitted to using these foods on account of factors such as their own inability to lactate, social pressure, lack of time and convenience.ConclusionsMost educated and well off people continue to use these products. While they rue the lack of stringent regulatory measures in India, they feel there is an urgent need to address this huge policy gap by way of legislation and regulation.

Diet Quality Among Mothers and Children in India: Roles of Social and Behavior Change Communication and Nutrition-Sensitive Social Protection Programs

BackgroundLimited evidence exists on determinants of maternal and child diet quality. ObjectivesThis study examined the role of social and behavior change communication (SBCC) and nutrition-sensitive social protection (NSSP) programs on maternal and child diet quality. MethodsData were from cross-sectional phone survey on 6627 Indian mothers that took place in late 2021. The Diet Quality Questionnaire (DQQ) was used to measure maternal and child diet quality, including minimum dietary diversity (MDD), dietary diversity scores (DDSs), noncommunicable disease (NCD)-protect and NCD-risk scores, adherence to dietary guidelines (All-5 and India-All-6), and unhealthy child feeding. Multivariate regression models were used to explore the association between diet indicators and coverage of SBCC and NSSP programs. ResultsMaternal and child diet quality was suboptimal, with more mothers (57%) achieving MDD than children (23%). SBCC was positively associated with healthy food consumption in children (odds ratio [OR]: 2.14 for MDD; β: 0.60 for DDS and 0.54 for NCD-protect) and mothers (β: 0.38 for DDS and 0.43 for NCD-protect). Cash transfers were associated with healthier diets in mothers (OR: 1.45 for MDD, 1.86 for All-5, and 2.14 for India-All-6; β: 0.43 for DDS and 0.26 for NCD-protect), but less associations noted for children (β: 0.14 for NCD-protect). Receiving food was associated not only with healthier diets in mothers (OR: 1.47 for MDD; β: 0.27 for DDS and 0.33 for NCD-protect) and children (β: 0.19 for DDS and 0.15 for NCD-protect) but also with unhealthy food in children (OR: 1.34). Exposure to multiple programs showed stronger associations with diet quality. ConclusionsSBCC has greater positive impact on child feeding than food and cash transfers, while cash has a stronger association with improved maternal diets. Food and cash are also associated with unhealthy food consumption. Our study underscores the importance of interventions that combine education, resource provision, and targeted support to promote maternal and child diet quality.

Nutrient composition of human milk of Indian mothers: relation with maternal and infant anthropometry

Nutrient composition of human milk of Indian mothers: relation with maternal and infant anthropometry

Chinese and Indian migrant mothers’ perceptions and experiences of utilising maternal and early childhood healthcare services in Aotearoa New Zealand: a qualitative descriptive study

ABSTRACT Although the health system in Aotearoa New Zealand is based on universalism and equity, disparities exist in the uptake and quality of health care for ethnic-migrant mothers and their children. This qualitative descriptive study explored the perceptions and experiences of Chinese and Indian migrant mothers (N = 24) accessing maternal and early childhood healthcare services. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted and data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were generated. Migrant mothers displayed limited awareness of services available for themselves and their children, and experienced difficulties navigating the complex and fragmented health system. Transnational ties influenced mothers’ expectations of care and health seeking practices for themselves and their children. Mothers shared suggestions for a system that is inclusive of migrants’ needs, such as offering orientation sessions to raise awareness and ease navigation challenges, having interpreters available and translated resources to support language challenges, and improve postpartum support as mothers adapt to motherhood. To improve health equity, it is important that national policy supports improvements to the health system to address the challenges faced by ethnic-migrant families when navigating health services.

Breast milk feeding: Trials and tribulations of Indian mothers having infants with cleft lip and palate

ABSTRACT Background: Breastfeeding infants with a cleft is difficult due to underlying anatomical deficits. The success of breastmilk feeding in this population is highly dependent on the mother. Nevertheless, the rate and duration of breastmilk feeding are often poor in this population due to early cessation of breastmilk production. These infants are therefore at high risk for “failure to thrive”. Aim: The study aimed to identify the challenges encountered by mothers having infants with cleft in establishing and maintaining breastmilk production. Objective: To explore the factors that impact establishing and maintaining breastmilk production viz., a) Mother-infant separation b) Access to Lactation and Feeding consultation c) Breastmilk expression strategies d) Formula supplementation rate e) Motivating or demotivating factors to breastmilk feeding. Method: This study was a phone survey conducted on 28 mothers who had availed lactation and feeding consultations between 2019 and 2020. Results: Various factors impacting the onset and establishment of breastmilk feeding noted were, separation of mother and infant at birth and the duration of separation, lack of access to professional help in lactation and feeding during stay in hospital, irregular and inappropriate breast milk expression, early formula supplementation demotivation due to various lactation and feeding challenges. Conclusion: Support from healthcare professionals specialized in lactation and feeding consultation for mothers having infants with cleft particularly, Speech Pathologists, Nursing staff and Lactation Consultants is critical to increase the rate and duration of breastmilk feeding. Breastmilk feeding should be thus prioritized and supported to enable infants with cleft to thrive.

Factors Associated with Breastfeeding Initiation and Continuation at Two Months Postpartum in American Indian Women: An Exploratory Analysis.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of breastfeeding initiation and continuation at two months postpartum in American Indian (AI) mothers in South Dakota and to identify factors associated with breastfeeding. Using logistic regression, data from the South Dakota Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System were used to investigate the relationship between binary breastfeeding initiation and continuation outcomes and maternal behaviors and experiences including access to health care, safe sleep practices, ability to handle life events, depression, and sources of breastfeeding information. Higher odds of initiation were seen for factors including access to health care services, ability to handle life events, and sources of breastfeeding information, while lower odds were seen for factors including safe sleep. Higher odds of continuation were seen among mothers who reported not taking long to get over setbacks and among mothers who reported no postpartum depression, while lower odds of continuation were seen among mothers practicing safe sleep. Several modifiable factors were identified as reasons for stopping breastfeeding. This information about factors associated with higher odds of breastfeeding initiation and continuation at two months postpartum can be used to inform interventions, programs, and policies designed to support breastfeeding among AI women and to guide future research in this area.

Feasibility and acceptability of a community health worker administered behavioral activation intervention for postpartum depression: a single arm pilot study from India.

Women in India experience high rates of postpartum depression (PPD), with minimal availability of screening or treatment. India has an extensive network of community health workers, known as accredited social health activists (ASHAs). While they are knowledgeable about most maternal-child health problems, they have minimal knowledge about PPD. We trained ASHAs to deliver a simple home-based intervention, behavioral activation (BA), which involves individuals in activities that are sources of positive reinforcement to counter depression. The research questions guiding this study were as follows: 1) What are the feasibility and acceptability of ASHAs screening for and delivering a brief behavioral activation intervention addressing PPD among women in Belagavi, South India? 2) What impact did the brief behavioral activation intervention have on PPD? The mixed methods evaluation used interviews with participants and interventionists, and depression scores were assessed before and after the evaluation. After a 2-day training with 17 ASHAs that focused on understanding PPD, screening using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and implementing the BA protocol, ASHAs and researcher supervisors screened the mothers 6-12 weeks postpartum presenting at pediatric immunization clinics. Mothers who screened positive were invited to participate in an ASHA-led 5-week BA intervention, with ASHAs visiting the mothers' homes. We assessed post-intervention EPDS scores and conducted satisfaction assessments and individual interviews. All 26 women who screened positive on the EPDS agreed to be enrolled in the study. All participants had a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in PPD scores. Both ASHAs and mothers had high enthusiasm for the intervention methods and activities. This ASHA-delivered BA intervention was found to be feasible, acceptable, and effective in treating PPD in rural Indian mothers. This corroborates literature that demonstrates the efficacy of a BA intervention among individuals with generalized depression in South Asia. In communities with minimal mental health resources, interventions led by trained community workers have the potential to address PPD.

Exploring drivers of unsafe disposal of child stool in India using hierarchical regression model.

Disposal of children's stools is often neglected in Indian sanitation programs, putting them at higher risk of diseases transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Therefore, the current study aims to identify the socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with the unsafe disposal of child stool in India and to estimate the geographical variation in unsafe disposal. The study used 78,074 births under two years from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (2019-21). Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis with the chi-square test, and a four-level hierarchical logistic regression model were applied to accomplish the study objectives. Findings revealed a 61.3% prevalence of unsafe stool disposal nationwide, significantly varying between rural (45%) and urban (67%) areas. Multilevel logistic regression highlighted that mother's education, wealth quintile, and sanitation facility were significant predictors of unsafe disposal of child stools. Random intercept statistics revealed a substantial geographical unit-level variance in unsafe stool practice in India. The study emphasizes the widespread unsafe disposal of child stool among Indian mothers with young children below two years, and the study underscores a range of contributing factors, including education, media exposure, prosperity, water availability, and sanitation. It also accentuates the significance of the geographical variance in the unsafe disposal of child stool in India, particularly at the household level, followed by the community level. Hence, the findings underscore the importance of focused interventions, including targeted household-level poverty alleviation programs, initiatives to enhance sanitation and water facilities, and community-level public health awareness programs.

Psychological Well- Being Of Indian Mothers During Covid-19 Pandemic: The Roles Of Psychological Flexibility, Parental Stress And Social Safeness

Psychological Well- Being Of Indian Mothers During Covid-19 Pandemic: The Roles Of Psychological Flexibility, Parental Stress And Social Safeness

Incidence of Postpartum Depression and Associated Risk Factors in Antenatal Women: A Cohort Study

Abstract Background: The incidence of postpartum depression (PPD) varies across cultures, regions, and communities, and there are very few studies addressing this issue, henceforth making it difficult to estimate the actual burden of the disease. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and identify potential risk factors for PPD in a cohort of antenatal women. Methods: This study conducted in a tertiary hospital included 105 participants in their second or third trimester of pregnancy. Relationship with and support from the family were assessed. The scales applied were the Perceived Stress Scale, Ardell Wellness Stress Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Participants were followed up 4 weeks postnatally. They were asked about the gender of their baby, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was applied. PPD was evaluated using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria and International Classification of Diseases-10 criteria. Results: Of the 105 participants, 6 were lost to follow-up. Among the 99 women, an EPDS score of ≥10 was identified in 17 women who were diagnosed with PPD. The risk factors according to our study were sleep disturbances, state anxiety, stress, and obstetrical complications antenatally and female sex of the newborn. These risk factors are likely to be interactive as well as multiplicative in effect. Conclusion: The study shows a high prevalence of PPD in Indian mothers. There is enough evidence suggesting that intervention for PPD is crucial for the care of the mother as well as for the well-being of the infant, hence an integrated approach is required for its screening.

Awareness of Safe Feeding Practices among Expecting and New Indian Mothers: A Survey

The government of India has been conducting focused programs for ensuring child and maternal nutrition, health, and well-being. A major mission in this regard is creating public awareness of importance of adequate nutrition from early on. Medical professionals have also compiled scientific recommendations that guide parents toward the timelines and type of foods to be fed in the first 24 months. However, from various research publications, child mortality rate secondary to pneumonia and obesity continues to be a major concern in India. One possible reason could be the actual household feeding practices. This study aimed to verify the understanding of pediatric feeding guidelines among expectant and new Indian mothers. Two close-ended multiple-choice questionnaires were developed and validated for expecting and new mothers. Responses were obtained from 100 participants through social media platforms using snowball paradigm. Response analysis revealed that understanding of breastfeeding guidelines was better compared to complementary feeding. While timeline-related questions received more accurate responses, most participants responded inaccurately towards safety and strategy-related information. Perceptions on feeding methods were different across the two participant groups. Developmentally normal behaviors such as gagging were considered as problem behavior by both groups. Interestingly, safety concerns were better identified by expecting mothers than new mothers. The results implied that public awareness programs need to broaden the focus from breastfeeding to include methods, strategies, and safety of complementary feeding for adequate nutrition and health. The guidelines developed in this regard need to be effectively communicated to the public for better impact on social health.

Perspective of Streptococcus thermophilus Strains as New Probiotics Derived from the Breast Milk of Indian Mothers

ABSTRACT In this study, two lactic acid bacterial cultures were isolated from human milk, and their probiotic attributes were evaluated. The 16S rRNA technique confirmed that the isolates share close homology to Streptococcus thermophilus and are designated as HN2 and HN3 strains. Both cultures showed significant tolerance, i.e. 74–92% and 66–88% survivability in acidic and bile conditions, respectively (p < 0.05). The hydrophobicity values ranged from 26–39% against hydrocarbons, auto-aggregation (40–51%), and β-galactosidase activity (43–102 U/mL) were observed, while antagonistic activity against pathogens ranged between 12–26 mm. The antibiotic profile demonstrated that the HN3 strain was more resistant compared to the HN2 strain. The antioxidant activities of supernatant and intact cells were determined using DPPH and ABTS method and found between 37–89%. The safety parameters data revealed that hemolytic reaction and mucin degradation were not detected. The findings suggested that the strains could be potentially targeted in functional foods for therapeutic applications following further in vivo studies.

A mixed-methods study of Indian mothers assessing the effect of the lockdown on the understanding of ADHD in their child and the burden experienced.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed developmental disorders and is common among referrals to child guidance clinics. This study aimed to study the impact of the lockdown during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the mother's understanding of ADHD and the burden faced by her. A mixed-methods design with a combination of a qualitative and quantitative approach was adopted. An in-depth in-person semi-structured interview with the participant's mother was conducted. The qualitative and quantitative part of the study consisted of burden assessment by the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. The responses were transcribed, and themes were identified. As far as understanding the disorder was concerned, the major themes identified were "Knew about the child's problems from teachers but online schooling made me see the child's issues in person" and "Knew about the illness but more time led to bonding and understanding the child." When questioned about the burden faced, the major themes that evolved were "Increased exhaustion taking care of a child 24/7" and "Increased burden as one felt angry and irritated with the child, the school, and the family." The Zarit caregiver questionnaire revealed a statistically significant difference in the burden of care before and after the pandemic, with a greater number of mothers falling in the mild to moderate and severe categories of burden. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the caregiver burden for mothers of children with ADHD. Their understanding of their child's disorder increased significantly as they could spend more time and devise different ways and means of helping their child in academics and other areas.

Knowledge attitude and practice of breast feeding among women who delivered during COVID-19 pandemic in Kollam District, Kerala

Background: Breastfeeding takes part a very important role in regulating and deciding the growth and development of the infant. However, its prevalence has remained low worldwide. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study held in Taluk hospitals of Punalur and Karunagappally in Kollam district enrolled 100 mothers who had delivered from March 2020, attending the immunization center. purposive sampling was done and consent was obtained. The one-to-one interview was done with a pre-tested questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice on breastfeeding among mothers who delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: In the knowledge of respondents, 99% knew that colostrum is the first breast milk. 83% of respondents knew that colostrum is important for the baby to maintain immunity. The attitude of the mothers showed that 50% disagreed that formula feeding is more convenient than breastfeeding. 91% opined that breast milk is the ideal food. More than 90% said that breastfeeding is more convenient than formula. Conclusions: The level of exclusive breastfeeding is low among Indian mothers and the practice of breastfeeding is not as much as what is expected out of the high percentage of knowledge thus there is a need for improvement.

Predicting working sole Indian mothers' satisfaction towards work–family balance integrating the Kano model and weighted average method

PurposeThe main impetus of the current paper is to identify and prioritize the work–family balance (WFB) satisfaction attributes specifically for working sole mothers' by deploying the Kano technique and weighted average method.Design/methodology/approachA multi-stage methodology has been used in the present analysis. Initially, the Kano method has been utilized to categorize the WFB satisfaction attributes using a three-dimensional WFB satisfaction scale. Afterward, the satisfaction coefficient technique was employed on Kano outcomes to get the WFB satisfaction and dissatisfaction index. Subsequently, the weighted average method was employed to prioritize the WFB satisfaction attributes.FindingsFindings uncovered the significance of a non-linear association between WFB attributes and employed sole mothers' WFB satisfaction. The findings revealed that one-dimensional and must-be-based WFB satisfaction attributes are responsible for sole mothers' WFB satisfaction and employing organizations must not overlook them. Additionally, the results of weighted average method-based prioritization can help organizations to focus on particular WFB satisfaction criteria according to their priority level.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are useful for WFB policy-makers and managers to formulate a suitable WFB strategy specifically for single mothers.Social implicationsResults provide a path for employers to minimize the work–family role conflict and societal dissatisfaction that helps sole mothers to attain the desired WFB.Originality/valueThis study first employed a novel approach that incorporates the Kano application with the weighted average method in order to prioritize the WFB satisfaction attributes for lone mothers.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2023-0074

Understanding the Association Between Social Desirability, Trait-Seriousness, and Trait-Cheerfulness in Indian Mothers

This quantitative study explores the positive psychological traits exhibited by Indian mothers and their implications for holistic parenting. The study intends to explore the influence of social desirability (SD) on trait-cheerfulness (TCH) has the potential to inform interventions and programs that promote positive parenting practices. Data were collected from 32 participants using a questionnaire with items from State-Trait-Cheerfulness-Inventory-T-60 (STCI-T-60) and The Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale-Short Form to measure TCH, trait-seriousness (SE), bad-mood (BD) and SD, respectively. The scores were converted to numerical values, SD = 88.46%, TCH = 86.25%, TSE = 80%, BM = 58.75%, for correlation analysis. The results suggest a positive relationship between SD and cheerfulness, emphasizing the importance of managing negative emotions and striking a balance between responsibility and playfulness in raising children. This research highlights the significance of supporting Indian mothers in managing negative emotions, fostering positive emotional climates, and maintaining a balance between responsibility and playfulness. By integrating these findings into parenting interventions, professionals can promote the overall well-being of Indian mothers and their children, creating a positive and nurturing environment for healthy development.