Maternal Occupations Research Articles

Exploring the Link Between Parental Sociodemographic Characteristics and Multiple Births: Insights from National Birth Data in Japan, 1995-2020.

This present study investigated the parental characteristics of multiple births using national birth data in Japan. This study included birth data from Vital Statistics: Occupational and Industrial Aspects every five fiscal years from 1995 to 2020. The multiple birth rates were defined as the number of live-birth deliveries with multiple fetuses (e.g., twins, triplets) per total live-birth deliveries. Parental ages, nationalities, occupations and household occupation (occupation of the top earner of the household) were considered as parental characteristics. The multiple birth rates were calculated based on parental characteristics for each year, and a log-binomial regression model was used to assess the association between parental characteristics and multiple births. The multiple birth rate for Japanese mothers consistently exceeded that for non-Japanese mothers over the years, and the rate increased progressively from manual workers to lower non-manual workers and then to upper non-manual workers for both maternal and paternal occupations. The regression results indicated that the risk ratio (RR) for multiple births among non-Japanese mothers was significantly lower than that among Japanese mothers. Moreover, concerning household occupation, the RRs of self-employed individuals, full-time employees at smaller companies, others, and the unemployed were significantly lower than those of full-time employees at larger companies. Furthermore, the RRs of lower non-manual and manual workers were significantly lower than those of upper non-manual workers in maternal and paternal occupations. The results suggested an association between multiple births and parental socioeconomic status in Japan.

Parental education and occupation in relation to childhood type 1 diabetes: nationwide cohort study

BackgroundSocioeconomic status in the risk of developing type 1 diabetes seems inconsistent. We investigated whether risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes differed by parental education or occupation in a nationwide...

Abstract P296: The Association Between Maternal Occupation and Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Infants With Congenital Heart Defects

Background: Neonates with critical congenital heart defects (cCHDs) face increased risks of neonatal complications, including low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB). Maternal occupation has known associations with adverse birth outcomes in the general population. We aimed to assess the link between maternal occupation and adverse birth outcomes in neonates with cCHDs. Methods: We examined Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR) data from 1999-2014, focusing on employed mothers of non-syndromic live born singletons with cCHD. Using the NIOSH Industry and Occupation Computerized Coding System (NIOCCS) and manual coding, we categorized maternal occupation into 23 major groups. Neonates with cCHDs and adverse birth outcomes were compared to neonates with cCHDs without adverse outcomes. Logistic regression models assessed the association between maternal occupation and PTB and LBW, with the reference group being all other occupations. Results: There were 712 mothers with preterm neonates with cCHDs and 3,076 mothers with full-term neonates with cCHDs. Additionally, 776 mothers delivered LBW neonates, while 3,012 had normal birthweight neonates. Maternal occupations in computer/math science were negatively linked to PTB (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.10-0.79) and LBW (OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.09-0.70). Food preparation occupations were positively associated with PTB (OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.17-2.38), while arts/entertainment occupations were negatively associated with LBW (OR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.11-0.84). Conclusion: These findings align with previous reports, suggesting that mothers in certain occupations may engage in behaviors linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes in the general population, such as insufficient folic acid supplementation, delayed prenatal care, smoking, and drinking. Understanding these associations can inform targeted workplace interventions, particularly for pregnancies involving birth defects.

Difference in risk of preterm and small-for-gestational-age birth depending on maternal occupations in Japan

ObjectivesIn this study, an association between the mother’s occupations with preterm and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births was investigated using national data in Japan, and individual-level birth data from the Report of Vital Statistics: Occupational and Industrial Aspects in the 2015 fiscal year were used. Preterm and SGA birth rates were calculated for each of infant characteristics, and relative risk of each type of maternal occupations (categorized into 12 types) for the outcomes was estimated using a log binomial regression model.ResultsData of 997,600 singleton births were analyzed. Among maternal occupations, preterm birth rate was highest among carrying, cleaning, packaging, and related workers (5.65%) and lowest among security workers (4.24%). SGA birth rate was highest among manufacturing process workers (5.91%) and lowest among security workers (4.00%). We found significantly elevated risks for preterm birth among manufacturing process workers compared with unemployed mothers, and significantly elevated risks for SGA birth compared with unemployed mothers were observed among sales workers, service workers, and manufacturing process workers. In contrast, security workers had a significantly decreased risk for SGA birth compared with unemployed mothers.

Does the father's job matter? Parental occupation and preterm birth in Korea.

Limited evidence is available regarding the impact of paternal occupation and its combined effect with maternal occupation on preterm birth. Therefore, we assessed the association of maternal and paternal occupations with preterm birth. We used the national birth data of Korea between 2010 and 2020. Parental occupations were divided into 5 categories: (1) managers; (2) professionals, technicians, and related workers; (3) clerks and support workers; (4) service and sales workers; and (5) manual workers. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of extremely, very, and moderate-to-late preterm births per occupational category considering individual risk factors. For the 4,004,976 singleton births, 40.2% of mothers and 95.5% of fathers were employed. Compared to non-employment, employment was associated with a lower risk of preterm birth. Among employed mothers, service and sales occupations were associated with a higher risk of preterm birth than managerial occupations (aOR, 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.10 for moderate-to-late preterm births). The father's manual occupation was associated with a higher risk of preterm birth (aOR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.13 for moderate-to-late preterm) than managerial occupations. When both parents had high-risk occupations, the risk of preterm birth was higher than in cases where only the mother or neither of the parents had a high-risk occupation. Paternal occupation was associated with preterm birth regardless of maternal employment and occupation and modified the effect of maternal occupation. Detailed occupational environment data are needed to identify the paternal exposures that increase the risk.

Maternal occupational exposure to organic solvents and intrauterine growth in the ELFE cohort

BackgroundIn developed countries, about 15% of women are occupationally exposed to solvents. Associations between this maternal occupational exposure and intrauterine fetal growth are inconsistent, but almost no existing study has investigated this relation by solvent family (oxygenated, petroleum, and chlorinated), although they may affect fetal growth differently. ObjectivesTo investigate the relations between maternal occupational solvent exposure, by solvent family, and the risk of neonates born small for gestational age (SGA), or with low birthweight, or with small head circumference (HC). MethodsAmong the 18,040 women enrolled in the Elfe rather than included in the Elfe birth cohort, we included 13,026 women who worked during pregnancy (72% of the cohort). Information about maternal occupations and industrial activities during pregnancy was collected by questionnaire at the maternity ward, and completed at 2-month when necessary. Using Matgéné job-exposure matrices, we assessed maternal occupational exposure to solvents. Logistic and multiple linear regressions were used to assess the association between maternal occupational solvent exposure and SGA status, birth weight, and HC. Analyses were conducted for exposure during pregnancy and also stratified by the trimester that pregnancy leave began. ResultsWe observed a higher risk of SGA newborns among mothers occupationally exposed during pregnancy to petroleum solvents (ORadjusted = 1.26; 95%CI: 1.01 to 1.57). Among women working until the third trimester of pregnancy, we observed a higher risk of SGA newborns to those occupationally exposed to oxygenated solvents (ORadjusted = 1.75; 95%CI: 1.11 to 2.75), a significantly lower birthweight for infants of mothers exposed to petroleum solvents (βadjusted = −47.37 g; −89.33 to −5.42), and a lower HC among newborns of those occupationally exposed to oxygenated solvents (βadjusted = −0.28; −0.49 to −0.07) and to chlorinated solvents (βadjusted = −0.29; −0.53 to −0.05). DiscussionOur results suggest that maternal occupational solvent exposure may influence fetal growth, especially exposure into the third trimester of pregnancy.

Association between maternal obesity and exclusive breastfeeding practice in Yogyakarta 2019

Obesity, especially in pregnant women, could cause many health problems regarding both the individual and the baby related to the tendency not to exclusively breastfeed in the future. This study aim to know the association between maternal obesity and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice. This study was an observational analytic (non-experiment) with a historical cohort design, carried out between November 2018-June 2019. The population was all first trimester pregnant women between March 2016-December 2017 who had first antenatal care in Tegalrejo and Mantrijeron Primary Health Care. The sample used was 130 respondents divided into two groups, 68 as exposed and 62 as non-exposed group. Sampling technique used was multistage random sampling. This study analyzed six variables, which were maternal obesity, age, education, occupations, knowledge, and attitude. Data collected using form and questionnaire. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used in data analysis. There was an association between maternal obesity and EBF practice. After controlling the attitude variable, maternal obesity had significance (p=0,002) toward EBF practice. The failure of EBF was higher 1,74 times in obese mother (RR=1,74).

A Qualitative Study on Promoting Maternal Occupations and Health: Lived Experiences of Breast Cancer Survivors Within the Workforce

Background: This study aims to understand the factors that support occupational engagement of working mothers who are breast cancer survivors based on their experiences. These factors are vital for occupational therapists and other health professionals in the promotion of their health and well-being. Methods: Using phenomenology, through in-depth interviews, this study explored experiences of mothers who survived breast cancer and have returned to work. Ten participants from ICanServe Foundation in Cebu, Philippines participated in one-on-one interviews. Results: Thematic analysis identified three themes: (1) Baggage and uncertainties of life with cancer, (2) Lessons on grit, and (3) Beating the odds through occupational adaptation. Findings suggest that mothers face obstacles both in the home and in the workplace. Conclusion: Obstacles identified include mother-child role reversals, physical and cognitive changes, stigma and discrimination in the workplace, and fear of death and uncertainty, which indicate the need for support. Findings based on their experiences can help inform collaborative efforts from occupational therapists and professionals across disciplines to support breast cancer survivors such as maternal support groups, informing employment or workplace policies, and community opportunities.

A Scoping Review of the Maternal Role at Older Age; Perceptions and Occupations.

Motherhood is a meaningful life role among adult women. Occupations within the maternal role of younger mothers have been well documented, but less is known regarding the maternal-role at older age. This review aimed to describe the occupations, activities, and perceptions that older women ascribe to their maternal role. In the future, this information may promote health and wellbeing of older women. A systematic search of peer reviewed articles, that included healthy, community-dwelling mothers, 60 years of age or older, was conducted. Maternal-role occupations and perceptions of older mothers were identified and classified according to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF). Fourteen articles, representing 3102 older mothers, were included. The identified occupations and activities within the maternal role were from two categories: Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) (such as assistance with daily chores) and social participation (such as sharing holiday rituals). Three themes reflecting maternal-role perceptions were identified: providing support; relationship with children; and motherhood as a never-ending role. Maternal occupations were identified in only a few articles and from only two categories, IADL and social participation. These findings together with the perception that motherhood is a ‘never-ending’ role suggests that further research is needed to better characterize the maternal role of older women from an occupational perspective.

An Association between Maternal Occupations and Low Birth Weight Infants in Japan from 1995 to 2015.

Differences in low birth weight rate depending on maternal socioeconomic characteristics have not yet been demonstrated using the Vital Statistics in Japan; therefore, this study aimed to investigate these differences according to maternal occupations. “Report of Vital Statistics: Occupational and Industrial Aspects” and the Vital Statistics in Japan were used every five years from 1995 to 2015. Nine types of occupations were compared. The low birth weight rate was calculated according to maternal occupations and year. Also, the standardized low birth weight ratio was obtained by dividing the number of low-birth-weight infants for each maternal occupation by an expected number of low birth weight infants. The standardized low birth weight ratio for manual workers was the highest among all occupations from 2000 to 2015, and it was significantly higher than one throughout the years. The ratio for clerical workers was also significantly higher than one from 1995 to 2010. Whereas, the ratio for farmers was significantly lower than one in most of the years. It was suggested that health guidance and prenatal care are particularly needed for manual workers, and a study investigating the differences in prenatal characteristics among maternal occupations is necessary for finding a reason for disparity.

Nongenetic risk factors for infantile cataracts: Systematic review of observational studies.

While infantile cataracts are a major cause of childhood blindness, risk factors remain unknown for approximately two-thirds of cases. We systematically searched electronic databases PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus, from inception through March 2018, to identify relevant cohort, case-control, cross-sectional studies, case reports, and case series. We also manually screened bibliographies and consulted with experts in the field to identify additional publications. We reviewed cross-sectional studies, case reports, and case series and provided a narrative summary of the reported potential risk factors. We evaluated methodological qualities of cohort and case-control studies, extracted relevant data, and described statistically significant associations with infant, maternal, and paternal characteristics. Quality assessment and data extraction were conducted by two reviewers independently. All discrepancies were discussed with the senior author and resolved by consensus. Overall, 110 publications were included in the review, 33 of which were cohort and case-control studies. Most of these studies (n= 32) used population-based data and had either excellent (n= 31) or good (n= 2) methodological quality. Nine studies reported statistically significant associations with infant characteristics (preterm birth, low birth weight), maternal occupations and diseases during pregnancy (untreated hypertension, infections), and paternal sociodemographics (younger age, employment in sawmill industry during pregnancy). This systematic literature review provided a comprehensive summary of the known nongenetic risk factors for infantile cataracts, identified gaps in the literature, and provided directions for future research. Studies identifying modifiable risk factors are warranted to design interventions aimed at primary prevention of infantile cataracts.

Increases Knowladge Exclusive Breastfeeding at Mother in Makassar

Breast milk is the best food for babies because it contains all the necessary nutrients the baby needs in an appropriate amount and immunologic substances that protect the baby from infection. This is due to the presence of antibodies contained in ASI colostrum. Breast-fed baby can regulate energy intake associated with internal response in realizing the sense of satiety. The purpose of this study to determine the description of the level of knowledge and work with exclusive breastfeeding to mothers in Makassar. The design of this study is an analytical study using cross sectional design. Quantitative data is then analyzed descriptively in the distribution of frequency characteristics of mothers who have children 7-12 months. Chi square analysis was used to compare categorical data of influence including knowledge and work status on exclusive breastfeeding using chi square test with the help of computer program. Good knowledge of respondents about exclusive breastfeeding (67.9%) and knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding (32.1%). Distribution of working mother (54%) and distribution of unemployed mother (45,7%). Mothers who do not work choose not breastfeeding as much as 37.8%. Knowledge of the mother's exclusive breastfeeding is related to maternal actions to exclusively breastfeed to infants in Makassar. Maternal occupations are not related to maternal action to exclusively breastfeed to infants in Makassar. The conclusions of the study show that good knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding increases exclusive breastfeeding.

Pemberian Asi Eksklusif di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Tapung Perawatan Tahun 2015

Exclusive Breastfeeding coverage in various regions of Indonesia is still far from the National target. This study aims to determine the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in the Work Area Puskesmas Tapung Treatment District Kampar Riau Province with a cross-sectional design. The research was conducted on June 12-29, 2015. The variables in this study include the support of health workers, mother's knowledge, husband support, mother's work, mother's education, mother's age and maternal age of the pregnancy. Sampling by systematic random sampling (n = 120). Data were analyzed using Logistic Regression Test. The results of this study indicate that the variables associated with exclusive breastfeeding are husband support (POR: 8,219 95% CI = 2,848-23,719), maternal occupations (POR: 5.188 95% CI = 1,264-21,301), and maternal education (POR: 3.785 95% CI = 1,110-12,904). Suggestions for the Puskesmas to provide communication, information, education about exclusive breastfeeding to married couples.

Maternal occupation and the risk of neural tube defects in offspring

ABSTRACTWe evaluated the association between maternal occupation and the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in offspring. Data for 491 nonsyndromic cases were obtained from the Texas Birth Defects Registry for deliveries between 1999 and 2009. We randomly selected 2,291 controls among all live births in Texas during this time. Maternal occupations were classified using automated software and manual assignment. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between maternal occupation and risk for any NTD, adjusting for maternal race/ethnicity, any diabetes, and maternal body mass index. These analyses were repeated for spina bifida specifically. Some maternal occupations, particularly those related to business/finance, health care practice, and cleaning/maintenance, were significantly associated with increased risk of spina bifida and/or any NTD. Further research is needed to identify the specific occupational exposures related to NTD risk.

An investigation on factors associated with malnutrition among underfive children in Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts, Uganda.

BackgroundMalnutrition is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity among under-five children in Sub Saharan Africa. To understand the factors associated with malnutrition among under-five children, a study was conducted in Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts of Uganda.MethodCross sectional secondary data of 104 underfive children in Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts was used. Epi Info programme-Nutrition module and Stata statistical softwares were used in analyses. Descriptive statistics, cross tabulations and binary logistic regression results were generated.ResultStunting was found to be the most malnutrition condition with the highest prevalence (38.5 %) in the two districts followed by wasting (16.5 %) and underweight (13.5 %) respectively. Results also showed that children aged 39–59 months were less likely to be underweight than those aged below twelve months. Children of peasant farmers were more likely to be stunted than their counterparts with mothers in pastoralist’s family. No significant factors were found to be associated with wasting among the underfive children in the two districts although the prevalence was slightly higher than that of child underweight.ConclusionThe study is essential in pointing out the particular age-groups among underfive children as well as the maternal occupations that may be factors associated with malnutrition in the districts of Nakaseke and Nakasongola. The author recommends exclusive breast feeding and proper complementary feeding especially among children under three years. Furthermore, special arrangement could be put in place to have children of mothers engaged in cultivation brought to them regularly for breastfeeding.

Parental poverty and occupation as risk factors for pediatric sleep-disordered breathing

Objectives/BackgroundPrevious studies have found associations between pediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and socioeconomic status (SES), as well as a neighborhood-related disadvantage. This study analyzes the association among familial SES, parental occupation, and SDB in Swedish offspring. MethodsA nationwide dataset was constructed by linking Swedish census data to hospital discharge register data on all first hospitalizations of children and adolescents aged 0–18 years during the study period 1997–2007. The outcome was SDB, defined as diagnostic codes for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), adenotonsillar hypertrophy, or tonsillar hypertrophy. Familial SES was defined as family income and maternal education. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results34,933 of three million children had a first hospital diagnosis of SDB. The OR was significantly increased in offspring in families with a low income (1.79) and maternal education (1.21). Significantly increased ORs were found in 14 of 38 maternal (37%) and 13 of 48 paternal (27%) occupations, and six of them involved both parents: drivers, welders, and workers in mechanics and iron metalware, chemical processing, and manufacture of food and glass. A significantly decreased OR was found in 12 (25%) of the paternal occupations, e.g., scientists, physicians, teachers, artists, administrators, and farmers, as well as in maternal occupations, such as artists and farmers, with offspring aged 0–6 years. ConclusionThis study indicates that low familial SES and parental occupations associated with a low educational level increased, whereas academic parental occupations and farmers decreased the risk of SDB in offspring.

Maternal occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and major structural birth defects.

Ionizing radiation (IR) is known to be carcinogenic and mutagenic, but little is known about the association between maternal occupational exposure to IR and birth defects. We studied 38,009 mothers who participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study and delivered between 1997 and 2009. We assessed odds ratios [ORs] for the association between maternal occupations with potential exposure to IR and 39 birth defects. We observed significant odds ratios (ORs) for isolated hydrocephaly (adjusted OR [AOR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-4.2), isolated anotia/microtia (AOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.0-4.0), isolated colonic atresia (crude OR, 7.5; 95% CI, 2.5-22.3), isolated omphalocele (AOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1-4.6) and isolated anencephaly (crude OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.06-0.94). We also observed a nonsignificant OR for birth defects in aggregate (AOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 0.9-4.6) among mothers with potential occupational exposure to fluoroscopy. We assessed 39 birth defects, observing that maternal occupations with potential exposure to IR were associated with a significantly increased risk for 4 birth defects and a significantly protected risk for 1 birth defect. These results should be interpreted cautiously because our measurement of exposure is qualitative, some of these associations may be due to occupational exposures that are correlated with IR and some may be due to chance. However, these findings serve as the first evaluation of these relationships in a large study and may be useful for generating hypotheses for future studies.

The hapten-atopy hypothesis III: the potential role of airborne chemicals

One explanation for the large increase in the prevalence of atopic disease in developed countries during the last 50 years is the 'hygiene hypothesis'. This proposes that a reduced exposure to pathogenic microorganisms at a key period(s) during development results in the maintenance or acquisition of an atopic phenotype. Alternatively, or additionally, we have postulated that increased exposure to chemicals generally, and to irritant/haptenic chemicals in particular, during critical windows of maternal pregnancy/early life have also contributed to changes in the prevalence of atopic disease. Having previously reviewed the potential roles of oral and cutaneous exposure to chemicals on the subsequent diagnosis of atopic disease, we here consider possible evidence of a role for exposure to airborne chemicals as a contributory factor in acquired susceptibility to atopic allergy. After controlling for known confounders, five specific maternal occupations during pregnancy have been implicated as being associated with subsequent atopic disease in the offspring. Each of these occupations is characterized by high and persistent exposure to airborne chemicals. High-level exposure to volatile organic compounds in the domestic environment, either during pregnancy or in early life, is also associated with development of childhood atopic disease. Similarly, sustained exposure to airborne chlorinated chemicals from swimming pools during childhood has been associated with the development of atopic allergy. A possible immunological basis for these associations is that exposure to certain airborne chemicals, even at low levels, can result in the delivery of 'danger' signals that, in turn, bias the immune response towards the selective induction or maintenance of preferential T helper 2-type immune responses consistent with the acquisition of allergic sensitization.

Adverse birth outcomes associated with selected maternal occupations in 12 European birth cohorts – a CHICOS initiative

Background:Occupational maternal exposures during pregnancy may affect fetal development. The population-based birth cohort design has been used very few times in this field; however, they collect ...

Maternal Occupation and Term Low Birth Weight in a Predominantly Latina Population in Los Angeles, California

Focusing on Latinas, we investigated whether maternal occupations during pregnancy increase term low birth weight (TLBW) (less than 2500 g; 37 weeks or more). In a case-control study (n = 1498) nested within a 2003 birth cohort (n = 58,316) in Los Angeles County, California (65% Latina), we assessed the influence of maternal occupation on TLBW, using Occupational Codes based on the 2000 US Census Occupational Classification System. Odds ratios (ORs) for TLBW were increased among women working during pregnancy in "transportation and material moving operations" (adjusted OR = 3.28; 95% confidence interval = 1.00 to 10.73), "food preparation and serving occupations" (adjusted OR = 3.03, 95% confidence interval = 1.21 to 7.62), or "production occupations" (adjusted OR = 2.63, 95% confidence interval = 1.01 to 6.82) compared with "office occupations;" 73% to 93% of women working in these higher-risk jobs were immigrant Latinas. Working conditions in various jobs held mainly by first-generation immigrant Latinas increase risks for TLBW and need to be addressed to develop strategies to reduce TLBW.