Social Support For Mothers Research Articles

The impact of pre- and perinatal factors on psychopathology in adulthood

Background: There is considerable evidence that pre- and post-natal factors are associated with a wide range of psychopathology in offspring during childhood and adolescence. Objective: The main aims of the present study were to examine the associations between pre- and perinatal factors and psychopathology in offspring during adulthood, and to explore whether family factors (i.e., family cohesion, mother's social support, and father's social support) mediate these relationships. Method: Information on pre- and perinatal events was collected from biological mothers of the participants (N = 315) when they were between 14 and 18 years who were then followed up until they reached age 30. Results: Maternal obstetric history and illness during first year were significant predictors of offspring anxiety disorder. Maternal emotional health predicted offspring affective disorder. Difficult delivery and breast feeding predicted disruptive disorder. The relationship between maternal obstetric history/emotional health and anxiety/affective disorder was no longer significant after controlling for family cohesion. Limitations: The information was based on maternal recall when their offspring were between 14 and 18 years which may be subjected to recall bias. Conclusion: The association between pre- and postnatal factors and psychopathology of offspring during adulthood is mediated by familial factors.

Level of parenting stress in mothers of singletons and mothers of twins until one year postpartum: A cross-sectional study.

To date, it is unclear which factors are associated with parenting stress. There are no studies investigating the association between parenting stress and coping strategies such as coparenting and social support, while simultaneously considering demographic and obstetric factors, in mothers of singletons and twins. To investigate if parenting stress is associated with personal, and obstetric characteristics, the level of coparenting, and the availability of and satisfaction with social support in mothers of singletons and twins until one year postpartum. A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 151 singleton mothers and 101 twin mothers were included. Both singleton and twin mothers experiencing lower parenting stress levels indicated a better coparenting relationship quality (β=-0.253, p<0.01; β=-0.341, p=0.001). Elevated parenting stress levels positively influenced the level of satisfaction with social support in only mothers of twins (β=0.273, p<0.01). The availability of social support, personal, and obstetric characteristics were not associated with the level of parenting stress in neither singleton nor twin mothers. Coparenting seems to be a significant coping strategy reducing the level of parenting stress in singleton and twin mothers, irrespective of their personal and obstetric characteristics. Large-scale longitudinal research is needed to identify predictors of parenting stress, which may help to develop parenting stress reducing interventions. The acknowledgement and support of an adequate coparenting relationship quality by health care professionals might be an important factor to include in such interventions.

Subjective Burden and Depression in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in India: Moderating Effect of Social Support.

The quantitative study assessed subjective burden, depression, and the moderating effect of social support in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in India. Seventy mothers were interviewed using a structured interview schedule, which measured their subjective burden, depression, and social support from family, friends, and significant others. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis with interaction terms. Half of the mothers in the study reported depression of clinical significance. Higher subjective burden significantly predicted higher depression. Of the three sources of support, only medium/high family support had a direct impact on depression and also moderated the impact of the subjective burden of depression. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.

Prevalence of Common Mental Disorders and its Association with Life Events and Social Support in Mothers Attending a Well-Child Clinic

Common mental disorders (CMD), such as depression and anxiety disorders that affect mothers with young children, are a major public health issue in developing countries. This study investigates the prevalence of CMD and its associated factors among mothers attending a well-child clinic in Mombasa, Kenya. In this cross-sectional study, 429 women were screened for the presence of CMD using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire–20 (SRQ-20). Social support and social stress were measured using the OSLO Social Support Scale and the Life Events Checklist. The prevalence of CMD was 20%. High SRQ scorers were more likely to be single or separated/divorced compared with low scorers. Language, neighborhood, and financial difficulties were found to be significant independent correlates of CMD through multiple logistic regression analysis. Rates of CMD among mothers with young children in Kenya are high. This is important for nurses and pediatricians whose contact offers them an opportunity to detect CMD and refer mothers for appropriate support.

Maternity Protection in the Republic of Kazakhstan and Abroad: Comparative Legal Analysis

Background/Objectives: The article provides a comparative analysis of legal regulation of maternity protection in Kazakhstan, Russia and best practices of the developed European countries, highlighting the gaps in the relevant national legislation which currently remains a pressing issue. Methods: The methodological basis of the research is formed by a general dialectical method of obtaining knowledge on the system of general and natural laws, society and the state; scientific methods – analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, historical and logical methods; specific scientific methods – system analysis, logic, comparative, statistical and other methods. Conducting this study, the authors also applied statistical and comparative methods, the methods of system and correlation analysis. Findings: The research involved studying current legislation, standards, monographs and scientific articles related to the theme of the paper. According to the analysis of Kazakh and Russian legislation on maternity protection, there is a current development of this field, motherhood being a fundamental factor of raising healthy children. Nevertheless, the measures taken appear to be insufficient. The example of the developed countries, especially France and Scandinavian countries, demonstrates that mothers should receive full support (social, financial, and economic). Application/Improvements: The authors concluded that maternity protection in the Republic of Kazakhstan should be comprehensive, and it should imply adoption and implementation of the state programs promoting motherhood, comprehensive social support for mothers, as well as introduce the practice of shared childcare by both parents, taking into consideration gender balance and socio-economic status of mothers.

Caregiver Burden and Social Support in Mothers with β-Thalassemia Children

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;BACKGROUND: &lt;/strong&gt;In our knowledge, there was no available information on social support and caregiver’s burden among parents of thalassemic children.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;AIM:&lt;/strong&gt; To examine caregiver’s burden and social support in mothers of thalassemic children, this study was conducted.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;METHODS: &lt;/strong&gt;This cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2013 in Jiroft Thalassemic Center (JTC) in southeast of Iran. To assess the caregiver’s burden and social support, caregiver burden scale and Norbeck social support questionnaire was used respectively.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RESULTS: &lt;/strong&gt;There was a response rate of 98% (160 out of 163 mothers were participated). Generally, 51.5% and 49.5% of mothers reported low and high level of social support, respectively. In term of caregiver’s burden, 20%, 29% and 51% of mothers reported high, moderate and low level of burden, respectively. There was no significant correlation between mean score of caregiver’s burden and mean score of social support.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CONCLUSION:&lt;/strong&gt; Our study showed that social support of Iranian mothers with thalassemic children is low. In addition, caregiver’s burden among this group of mothers is high. Further research is recommended to prepare more evidence in this regard.&lt;/p&gt;

Number of Children and Telomere Length in Women: A Prospective, Longitudinal Evaluation.

Life history theory (LHT) predicts a trade-off between reproductive effort and the pace of biological aging. Energy invested in reproduction is not available for tissue maintenance, thus having more offspring is expected to lead to accelerated senescence. Studies conducted in a variety of non-human species are consistent with this LHT prediction. Here we investigate the relationship between the number of surviving children born to a woman and telomere length (TL, a marker of cellular aging) over 13 years in a group of 75 Kaqchikel Mayan women. Contrary to LHT’s prediction, women who had fewer children exhibited shorter TLs than those who had more children (p = 0.045) after controlling for TL at the onset of the 13-year study period. An “ultimate” explanation for this apparently protective effect of having more children may lay with human’s cooperative-breeding strategy. In a number of socio-economic and cultural contexts, having more chilren appears to be linked to an increase in social support for mothers (e.g., allomaternal care). Higher social support, has been argued to reduce the costs of further reproduction. Lower reproductive costs may make more metabolic energy available for tissue maintenance, resulting in a slower pace of cellular aging. At a “proximate” level, mechanisms involved may include the actions of the gonadal steroid estradiol, which increases dramatically during pregnancy. Estradiol is known to protect TL from the effects of oxidative stress as well as increase telomerase activity, an enzyme that maintains TL. Future research should explore the potential role of social support as well as that of estradiol and other potential biological pathways in the trade-offs between reproductive effort and the pace of cellular aging within and among human as well as in non-human populations.

Breast feeding practices as cultural interventions for early childhood caries in Cree communities.

BackgroundBreastfeeding is a gift from mother to child and has a wide range of positive health, social and cultural impacts on infants. The link between bottle feeding and the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) is well documented. In Aboriginal communities, the higher rates of ECC are linked with low rates of breast feeding and inappropriate infant feeding of high sugar content liquids.MethodsThe Baby Teeth Talk Study (BTT) is one project that is exploring the use of four interventions (motivational interviewing, anticipatory guidance, fluoride varnish and dental care to expectant mothers) for reducing the prevalence of ECC in infants within Aboriginal communities. This research explored cultural based practices through individual interviews and focus groups with older First Nations women in the community.ResultsParticipants in a First Nations community identified cultural based practices that have also been used to promote healthy infant feeding and good oral health. A wide range of themes related to oral health and infant feeding emerged. However, this paper focusses on three themes including: breastfeeding attitudes, social support for mothers and birthing and supporting healthy infant feeding through community programs.ConclusionsThe importance of understanding cultural health traditions is essential for those working in oral public health capacities to ensure there is community acceptance of the interventions.

Husband's Social Support for Mothers With Postpartum Depression After Giving Birth to Their First Child

This study aims to provide an overview of social support her husband with postpartum depression in mothers postpartum first child and the impact of social support provided to the mother's husband. Social support is in the form of emotional support, the support award, instrumental support and informative support. The method used in this research is using qualitative exploratory study the two subjects who had a husband and wife with postpartum depression after giving birth first child with wife aged 21-28 years. Determination of the subjects in this study using purposive sampling technique and is located in several places according to the agreement of the subject and significant others. Data collection methods used were observation method using anecdotel record with the observation that social support indicators husband and interview methods are equipped with general guidance interview. The results showed that each subject provide social support her husband with different forms of support for marriage influenced by the subject. The effect of the second wife of the study subjects also differ on the subject of the first wife can get through 25 days postpartum depression after giving birth, while the second subject can get through 40 days postpartum depression after giving birth. Factors support from significant others and coping also affect maternal postpartum depression can get through the second wife of the research subjects.

Social Support for Mothers of Children With Disabilities in China

ABSTRACT.This article analyzes the gendered parenting experiences of mothers of children with disabilities in China. These mothers struggle to meet their children's needs, including daily care, financial security, and child development. In the context of China's social welfare development, are social services responding to their needs, so that mothers can share responsibility for the needs of their children with disabilities? The research analyzed qualitative data about 6 case-study children in rural and urban China. The data were derived from observation and interviews with their parents and other family and community members. The analysis revealed that the capacity of the mother, community, and local social services had an impact on the rights of the children and mothers. They experienced social discrimination, insufficient social support, and local failure to implement central policy social services and income support. These findings are consistent with international research about disability rights. They reinforce the importance of economic redistribution to enable local implementation of the national disability rights policies, rather than merely relying on ephemeral concepts of cultural change. Further research about the comparative impact of economic and social change in China on mothers and children with disabilities would extend these findings.

Factors Contributing to Miss Appointments among 1-4 Years Old Toddlers for Routine Health Care in Government Health Clinics in Peninsular Malaysia

Scheduled routine health care follow up visits among 1-4 years old toddlers to government health clinics are not fully utilized and factors contributing to missed appointments are not well studied. Continuous health care among children under 5 years of age is one of the important factors to reduce morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the factors contributing to missed appointments among 1-4 years old toddlers for health care. Unmatched case control study among 570 mothers (285 cases and 285 controls) in five government health clinics in Tumpat district, Kelantan, Malaysia that serving a routine child health care was conducted using guided questionnaire. Analysis involved was binary logistic regression. Results showed that working mothers (adjusted OR:1.59, 95% CI :1.10-2.30, p:<0.05), knowledge of the mothers about child health services in government health clinic (adjusted OR: 8.45, 95% CI: 4.40-16.24, p:<0.001), mother's perception towards health facilities and services in government health clinic (adjusted OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.10- 2.30, p:<0.05 and mother's social support from people surrounding (adjusted OR : 4.89, 95% CI: 2.40-9.98, p:<0.001) were the factors contributing to missed appointments. The research findings indicate that special efforts should be made to help working mother, to promote child health care services in government health clinic and to increase social support to mother in child health care in improving their routine health care follow up visits to government health clinic. Keywords Factors, government health clinic, miss appointment, toddler

1764 Investigation of some Aspects of Perceived Social Support in Mothers of Hospitalized Children in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

PurposeTo identify the degree of perceived social support in mothers of hospitalized children in neonatal intensive care unit, and to assess in psychosocial aspects the relationship of the perceived social...

Social support for mothers in illness: A multifaceted phenomenon

Background: Many women privilege the mothering role over other areas of their lives, and for ill women, it can be difficult to relinquish maternal responsibility. Not being able to mother in their usual way can have consequences for women’s wellbeing and view of themselves as ‘good’ mothers. Method: In this study, 77 mothers of dependent children were interviewed about their experiences of illness, and the social support they received. Results: Despite their illnesses, participants in this study continued to feel they were primarily responsible for the wellbeing and care of their children, and were distressed if they were unable to adequately fulfil the primary carer role. As participants sometimes found it difficult to care for their children, help with childcare emerged as an important element of social support. Seeking assistance with care for children revealed a tension between support that was accessible and support that was acceptable. Conclusion: Mothering while ill is difficult and women facing illness may need encouragement to accept help to continue to meet their maternal responsibilities. Nurses are in an excellent position to encourage women to identify and draw upon sources of support to assist them in maintaining their mothering role while ill.

Correlates of Heavy Drinking Behaviors of Latino Mothers and their Adult Daughters

This study explored associations between adult Latina heavy drinking behaviors and potential psychosocial and demographic correlates. It used mother-daughter dyads and a cross-sectional design. Data were drawn from a community-based sample of 158 dyads of adult Latinas (n = 316), age 18 years or older, recruited between 2004 and 2006. Bivariate and multivariate statistical methods, including logistic regression and pathway models, were used to analyze data. The study found that protective factors for heavy drinking behaviors for the mother included daughter's social support and mother's age, while for the daughter, they were mother's attachment and daughter's country of birth. Risk factors for daughter's heavy drinking behaviors were mother's social support and daughter's education. For both mother and daughter, chronic stress and drinking behavior associations were mediated by attachment and social support. Preventive interventions should target increasing levels of mother-daughter attachment and daughter's social support while decreasing stress levels for mothers and daughters.

The role of minor and adult children in the adjustment of women living with HIV

The present study examined how having children can relate to the psychological functioning of HIV-positive women, and the place and function children have in their mother's social support and social burden networks. As part of initial face-to-face interviews with 46 HIV-positive women enrolled in a longitudinal study, participants indicated their maternal status, the nature of their social support and burden (with a modified Multidimensional Social Support Inventory) and their levels of depressive symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory). Using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and non-parametric analyses when statistical assumptions were not met, findings indicate that women with minor children reported fewer depressive symptoms and more confidence in regulating social support than women without children. Maternal status was not significantly related to other measures of social support. Women with minor children reported greater comfort and confidence in regulating social burden and reported experiencing less social burden than women with adult children only. Women with adult children only reported intermediate levels of depression, but high levels of received burden and low levels of comfort and confidence in regulating (lessening) this burden. Analyses of women's social networks (Fisher's Exact Test) indicated that minor children were less likely to be named regarding support than adult or other family members and were infrequently turned to for practical, emotional, or HIV-related support. Adult children were more often listed as providing various types of support than minor children, yet these relationships were also often associated with relatively higher levels of social burden.

Community Leaders' Perceptions of Hispanic, Single, Low-Income Mothers' Needs, Concerns, Social Support, and Interactions with Health Care Services

Hispanic, single, low-income mothers are a vulnerable population who are often identified as having difficult transitioning to motherhood and successfully using the U.S. health care system. The purpose of this study was to examine needs, concerns, and social support of Hispanic, single, low-income mothers during the transition to motherhood through the eyes of community leaders serving this population in the U.S. Two focus groups were conducted, and 16 Midwestern community leaders working or volunteering with the Hispanic population expressed their opinions. Two investigators and two graduate nursing students evaluated the data. The process of word and context interpretation was completed using a combination of ) and ) techniques. Data were compared to field notes and debriefing summaries were completed during focus group discussions. Four themes and 12 subthemes evolved from the group discussions. Themes were (a) mothers' social support, (b) interactions with health care providers, (c) barriers in trust, and (d) practical life issues. A conclusion was drawn from these data that these women have difficulty accessing social support and information regarding care of themselves and their newborn infants due to limited social networks and barriers to health care. Nurses are in key positions to offer culturally sensitive social support and identify health care barriers with Hispanic, single, low-income mothers during the transition to motherhood. Further research is needed on interventions that effectively deliver information, lower health care barriers, and meet social support needs of Hispanic, single, low-income mothers and their infants.

Estresse e suporte social em mães de crianças com necessidades especiais

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a associação entre estresse e suporte social em mães de crianças com necessidades especiais e mães de crianças com desenvolvimento típico, em famílias de baixa renda. Trata-se de estudo quantitativo com 75 mães de crianças com idade entre quatro e 8 anos, com renda familiar de até quatro salários mínimos, alocadas em dois grupos: mães de crianças com desenvolvimento típico e mães de crianças com necessidades especiais. As participantes responderam ao Inventário de Sintoma de Stress e ao Questionário de Suporte Social. Os resultados indicaram, em ambos os grupos, elevada porcentagem de mães estressadas. Mães de crianças com necessidades especiais contam com um menor número de pessoas suportivas. Observou-se associação negativa entre stress e satisfação com o suporte social. Discute-se que o presente estudo confirma achados de pesquisas anteriores e identifica o papel do suporte social nos processos de adaptação familiar. A associação encontrada entre a satisfação com o suporte social e o estresse aponta para adequação de proposições e implantação de programas de intervenções em saúde para famílias de crianças com necessidades especiais.

Effects of ultrasound on maternal‐fetal bonding: a comparison of two‐ and three‐dimensional imaging

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of two-dimensional (2DUS) compared to three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) imaging on the maternal-fetal bonding process. Fifty mothers who had 2DUS and 50 who had 2DUS and 3DUS were included in the study. A postpartum survey by telephone interview was carried out to assess maternal-fetal bonding. Bonding was evaluated by analysis of extent of prenatal image sharing, maternal ability to form a mental picture of the baby and mother's comments about their ultrasound images. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test, Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-tests. Mothers who received 3DUS showed their ultrasound images to more people (median, 27.5; interquartile range, 14.5-40.0) than mothers receiving 2DUS alone (median, 11.0; interquartile range, 5.0-25.5) (P < 0.001, Z = -3.539). Eighty-two percent of the subjects screened with 3DUS had a greater tendency to form a mental picture of the baby postexamination compared to 39% of the 2DUS subjects (P < 0.001, Z = -3.614). Mothers receiving a 3DUS study were more likely to receive comments on the similarities/differences of the neonate compared to those having 2DUS studies. Furthermore, 70% of the mothers receiving 3DUS felt they 'knew' the baby immediately after birth vs. 56% of the mothers receiving 2DUS (P = 0.009, Z = -2.613). Both 2DUS and 3DUS experiences were positive, however, the comments made by the mothers undergoing 3DUS (n = 18) were more exclamatory (amazed, wonderful, fabulous) than those undergoing 2DUS (n = 4). Patients having a 3DUS examination consistently scored higher than those having a 2DUS examination alone for all categories of maternal-fetal bonding. 3DUS appears to more positively influence the perceptions of mothers to their babies postbirth compared to 2DUS. Specifically, mothers who had 3DUS showed their ultrasound images to a greater number of people compared to mothers who had 2DUS alone and this may represent mother's social support system. 3DUS may have a greater impact on the maternal-fetal bonding process.

Perceived social support of mothers of children with clefts.

To identify factors that may predict perceived social support in mothers of children with clefts. A comparison was conducted from a sample of mothers of children with oral clefts identified from a single institution (multidisciplinary craniofacial clinic). The Interpersonal Support Evaluation List and Beck Depression Inventory were completed by all participants. Mothers of children with visible clefts were more likely to report higher perceived social support than mothers of children with clefts that were not visible (p =.005). Mothers of female children reported higher levels of perceived social support than mothers of male children (p =.02). Mothers who had completed more years of education reported significantly higher levels of perceived social support than mothers who had completed fewer years of school (p =.03). Mothers with more children were more likely to report lower levels of perceived social support (p =.009). Maternal depression was highly correlated with perceived social support (p <.0001). Cleft visibility, family size, child sex, and maternal education level were important factors in predicting perceived social support in mothers of children with clefts. Child age, syndrome status, and cleft family history were not significant predictors.

Perceived Social Support of Mothers of Children With Clefts

Abstract Objective: To identify factors that may predict perceived social support in mothers of children with clefts. Design: A comparison was conducted from a sample of mothers of children with oral clefts identified from a single institution (multidisciplinary craniofacial clinic). The Interpersonal Support Evaluation List and Beck Depression Inventory were completed by all participants. Results: Mothers of children with visible clefts were more likely to report higher perceived social support than mothers of children with clefts that were not visible (p = .005). Mothers of female children reported higher levels of perceived social support than mothers of male children (p = .02). Mothers who had completed more years of education reported significantly higher levels of perceived social support than mothers who had completed fewer years of school (p = .03). Mothers with more children were more likely to report lower levels of perceived social support (p = .009). Maternal depression was highly correlated w...