Socio-demographic Characteristics Of Mothers Research Articles

Factors contributing to higher caregiving burden in Turkish mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore the caregiver burden and related factors such as expressed emotion (EE), social support, life satisfaction, dyadic adjustment, post-traumatic growth, and socio-demographic characteristics of mothers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children.MethodsSixty-two mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder and 60 mothers of typically developing children completed the Zarit Burden Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Expressed Emotion Scale, and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory. The Autism Behavior Checklist was used to examine the severity of autistic behaviors. A socio-demographic data form was applied to the subjects. Participants were recruited in Autistic Children Education Center, homes, and workplaces. Correlation analysis, independent-samples t-tests, post hoc Mann–Whitney U, and SEM tests were conducted for statistical analyses.ResultsHigher maternal caregiving burden was associated with lower life satisfaction and higher level of disability in Turkish children with ASD. Also, higher life satisfaction of mothers with ASD children was related to higher social support and dyadic adjustment, and lower EE. According to the SEM analysis, disability percentages, autism-related behaviors in children, and poor dyadic adjustment were significant predictors of caregiving burden in these mothers which in turn resulted with higher EE and poor life satisfaction.ConclusionsThere are several studies that have investigated the distress in parents of children with developmental disabilities in general, but caregiving burden in ASD was not evaluated elsewhere in detail. These mothers need professional guidance and psychosocial support during the parenting process. Further studies that aim to investigate the whole family, including the father and the siblings, are also necessary.

Chromosomal abnormalities: subgroup analysis by maternal age and perinatal features in zhejiang province of China, 2011\u20132015

BackgroundRecently, the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities (CA) increased as the increasing proportion of mothers with advanced age. We aimed to explore the prevalence of CA in relation to maternal age and perinatal features.MethodsA retrospective study was performed based on provincial birth defects surveillance data. The relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to calculate maternal age-specific rates of CA. Socio-demographic characteristics of mothers and perinatal features were listed.ResultsThe total prevalence of CA was 6.38 per 10,000 births, which increased per 10,000 births linearly from 4.02 in 2011 to 9.13 in 2015 (x2line-trend =52.69, p < 0.001). During this period, the prevalence for CA per 10,000 births among women over 35 years old increased from 15.34 in 2011 to 33.82 in 2015 (x2line-trend =115121.6, p < 0.001). The RR for overall CA, trisomy 21(T21), trisomy 18(T18) and others in mothers 35 years or older were 6.64 (95% CI 5.55 ~ 7.93), 6.83 (95% CI 5.63 ~ 8.30), 4.06 (95% CI 2.09 ~ 7.90) and 7.54 (95% CI 4.02 ~ 14.11) respectively in comparison to mothers aged 25–29 years old. The stillbirths rate for total CA was 76.45%. T21 and T18 were strongly associated with multiple anomalies, especially congenital heart abnormalities.ConclusionsThe prevalence of CA increased as maternal age increased. Cases with CA were associated with other congenital defects and high mortality risk.

Malnutrition is associated with HIV infection in children less than 5 years in Bobo-Dioulasso City, Burkina Faso: A case-control study.

Pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and malnutrition are still 2 major health issues in sub-Saharan Africa including Burkina Faso where few studies have been conducted on child malnutrition and HIV infection. This study assessed the effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV infection and also compared the prevalence of malnutrition in terms of an inadequate diet, underweight, stunting, and wasting among HIV-infected and uninfected children less than 5 years in Bobo-Dioulasso city, Burkina Faso.This was a case–control study matching for age and sex in 164 HIV-infected and 164 HIV-uninfected children. The sociodemographic characteristics of mothers and children, household food security, drinking water source, child feeding and care practices, and child anthropometric data such as body weight, height, and mid-upper arm circumference were collected.The prevalence of food insecurity and inadequate diet was 58% and 92% of children less than 5 years of age, respectively. The prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was 77% versus 35%, 65% versus 61%, and 63% versus 26% in HIV-infected and uninfected children less than 5 years of age, respectively. Out of 164 HIV-infected children, 59% were on ART initiation during data collection and the median of CD4 cell counts was 1078 cells/μL. HIV-infected children on ART had greater CD4 cell counts (P = .04) and higher weight-for-age Z (P = .01) and weight-for-height Z scores (P = .03) than those without ART. HIV infection was a risk factor for those who had inadequate dietary intake [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–3.62, P = .04]. In addition, HIV-infected children were more likely of being underweight (AOR = 10.24, 95% CI 4.34–24.17, P < 0.001) and wasting (AOR = 5.57, 95% CI 2.49–12.46, P < 0.001) than HIV-uninfected children less than 5 years of age.High prevalence of malnutrition was observed in HIV-infected children compared with HIV-uninfected children. Except for ART, nutritional assessment and support should be included in pediatric HIV management.

Determinants of use of supervised delivery care under Ghana's fee exemption policy for maternal healthcare: the case of the Central Region.

BackgroundImproving access to supervised and emergency obstetric care resources through fee reduction/exemption maternity care initiatives has been touted as one major strategy to avoiding preventable maternal deaths. Evaluations on the effect of Ghana’s fee exemption policy for maternal healthcare have largely focused on how it has influenced health outcomes and patterns of use of supervised care with little attention to understanding the main factors influencing use. This study therefore sought to explore the main individual and health system factors influencing use of delivery care services under the policy initiative in the Central Region.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using 412 mothers with children aged less than one year in one largely rural and another largely urban districts in the Central Region of Ghana from September to December 2013. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey on the socio-demographic characteristics of mothers, their knowledge and use of care under the fee free policy. Chi-square and Binary Logistic Regression tests were used to evaluate the main determinants of delivery care use under the policy.ResultsOut of the 412 mothers interviewed, 268 (65 %) reported having delivered their most recent birth under the fee exemption policy even though awareness about the policy was almost universal 401 (97.3 %) among respondents. Utilization however differed for the two study districts. Respondents in the Cape Coast Metropolis (largely urban) used delivery service more (75.7 %) than those in the largely rural Assin North Municipal area (54.4 %).Binary logistic regression results identified maternal age, parity, religion, place of residence, awareness and knowledge about the fee exemption policy for maternal healthcare as significantly associated with the likelihood of delivery care use under the policy. The likelihood of using supervised delivery care under the policy was lower for mothers aged 20–29 compared to those in the age bracket of 40–49 (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.069, p = 0.003). For their index (last child), mothers who already had 1, 2 or 3 births were more likely to deliver under the policy than those with five or more births.Mothers living in urban areas were 3.79 times more likely to use delivery services under the policy than those living in rural areas (OR = 3.793, p = 0.000). The likelihood of using delivery services under the policy was higher for mothers who were aware and had full knowledge of the total benefit package of the policy (OR = 13.820, p = 0.022 and OR = 2.985, p = 0.001 for awareness and full knowledge respectively).ConclusionsDelivery service use under the free maternal healthcare policy is relatively low (65 %) when compared with nearly universal awareness (97.3 %) about the policy. Factors influencing delivery service use under the policy operate at both individual and policy implementation levels. Effective interventions to improve delivery service use under the policy should target the underlying individual and health policy implementation factors identified in the study.

Assessment of Self-Care Practices during Prenatal Period among Mothers in Babylon City

Objectives: The study aims to assess the self-care practices of the antenatal mother, and to Identify the demographic characteristics of pregnant mother (Age, Level of education, occupation.. etc. ). Methodology: A descriptive analytical design study was conducted on non-Probability (convenient sample), Starting in the period December 1st 2014 to August the 3rd 2015. which consists of (150) pregnant women. Were selected of (4) health centers 2 of each sector in the Hilla city as randomly selected of the general population. The researcher used rated on (3- level type Likert scale), by (Lindgren 2005) which is on the other hand the (Health practice questionnaire - II (HPQ-II ). The questionnaire was consisted of (67) items developed and adopted to measure the self-care practices of pregnant women. The current items which were grouped into comprised of two parts which includes the following: Part. I A. Socio-demographic characteristics of mothers, B. Reproductive Information. Part II. Items of pregnant mother practices. A pilot study has been carried out to test the reliability of the questionnaire and content validity has been carried out through the (22) experts in the different fields. The reliability Coefficient through of the calculated (alpha Cronbach's) was (a±= 0.827). The researcher gathered the subjects responses through the questionnaire &amp; face-to face interview as one of the methods of data collection. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine a frequency distribution of responses for each item as reported for the entire sample.Results: "overall" Results shows of the study showed that the final evaluation of the practice of self-care during the period of prenatal he was a good 50%.The present study demonstrated no statistically significant relationship between the demographic variables and practices of the self- care. Conclusions: The results achieved in all studied self-care practices among mothers during pregnancy (nutritional, physical activity, personal hygiene, rest and sleep, other practices), it was of a good level of the assessment Recommendations: The present study recommends the continuation of ministry of health and public mass media which have a great role to play in creating awareness about prenatal care among pregnant women as well as among deprived populations in the other places. Encouraging the pregnant mothers to commitment through dietary programs toward vegetable-based diets rich in a variety of vegetables, fruits and pulses minimally cereals, nuts, fat diets and sweets.

Evaluating Anxiety and Stress Coping Skills and Related Variables of Mothers with Mentally Retarded Children /Zihinsel Engelli Cocugu Olan Annelerin Anksiyete ve Stresle Basa Cikma Becerileri ve Iliskili Degiskenlerin Belirlenmesi

Aim: Our aim is to compare the socio-demographic characteristics of mothers with mentally disabled children with those without, and to evaluate anxiety levels and ability of these mothers to cope with stress. Materials and Method: Our study is designed as a cross-sectional descriptive study. We included the mothers of 110 children with mental disabilities as the study group, and mothers of 117 children in a primary school without any mental disabilities as the control group. Sociodemographic data of all the mothers participating in the study were recorded and Beck Anxiety Inventory and The Ways of Coping Scale were applied. Results: The mean age of the study group was 31.2±3.45 years in the study group and 28.62±2.25 years in the control group; there was no statistical difference between the groups (p=0.215). Monthly household income was statistically significantly lower in the study group (p=0.005). The average Beck Anxiety Inventory score of the mothers with mentally disabled children was 29.88±12.68, and that of the control group was 28.76±16.86; there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.578). The average Ways of Coping Scale score of the mothers of mentally disabled children was 70.83±13.49 and average score of the control group was 73.64±16.20; there was no statistically significant difference (p=0.158). However, the average scores of mothers with mentally handicapped children of the three subscales of Ways of Coping Scale, including Submissive Approach, Seeking for Social Support and Optimistic Approach, were significantly higher than the control group (p: 0.001, 0.001, 0.005, respectively). Conclusion: We suggest that mothers of mentally disables children should be followed up closely and supplied with psychosocial support, and rehabilitation services; even, measures to improve their economic situation should be taken.

Analysis of the Maternal Filicide in Terms of Forensic Medicine in Turkey: A Clinical Research.

In the literature, 15% of the victims of homicide consists of children under 16 years of age; children under the age has been proved that they have the maximum risk. The vast majority of the victims were killed by their mothers. Thus, if mothers are the perpetrators of crime child murders are discussed in different ways, so it is conceptualized under the name of maternal filicide in the literature. This study has been performed for, in Turkey, women who killed their own children between 0-6 years old, victims of crimes, and to determine features of crime regarding on forensic medicine, eventually in order to provide a basis for taking necessary precautions and measures. This research includes 74 reports of maternal filicide cases came to IV. Board of Specialization at the Council of Forensic Medicine in Istanbul, Ministry of Justice of Republic of Turkey between 1996-2006 years. In the light of data came from these reports, the socio-demographic characteristics of mothers who attempted filicide and children who were killed, and crime occurrence methods and mothers' criminal legal responsibility were examined. Mothers, suspected of the filicide crime, are often at a young age, and did not desire pregnancy, 73 of mother's do not have criminal history, and 48 of mothers confessed the crime. Found that 71 of child victims are biological kids, 38 of them were killed around age, and 20 of them were girls, 35 of them were boys. The study group, seven of defendants killed or attempted to kill more than one child at the same time. The majority of mothers committed the crime during the daylight. When filicide methods were examined strangling or throwing up the child from higher were seen the most. The majority of mothers committed crime wiıthout weapon or other objects, just by their hands. Based on decisions of IV. Board of Specialization, no significant difference was observed between the the mothers with criminal liability and mothers with non-criminal liability. In this study, important data procured from the demographic characteristics of the mothers, findings on conditions during the crime and the method of the crime, and mothers' psychosocial stressors, but it has been discerned that this data is limited to define the crime of filicide. At the end of the study, besides studied the parameters that directed people to commit this crime, other factors, like mental status and/or motives should be probed.

PO-0078 The Relationship Between Maternal And Neonatal 25(oh) Vitamin D Status

Background In this study we aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D levels. Methods The subjects were 58 mothers and their newborns who were born between February 2012 and April 2012. Blood specimens were obtained within 72 h of birth and from mothers. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum concentrations ≤20 ng/mL. Results The mean gestational age and birth weight of preterm infants were 33.06 ± 2.2 weeks and 2125.4 ± 546 g and for term infants were 38.84 ± 1 weeks and 3470.3 ± 451 g, respectively. Sociodemographic characteristics of mothers were not significantly different between groups. Twelve percent of infants born before 32 completed weeks, 16% infants born between 32–36 weeks and 28% of term infants had vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 27% mothers of preterm infants and 42% mothers of term infants. Conclusion Vitamin D receptors plays an important role in calcium absorption and bone metabolism. In the literature there are reports that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy had adverse gestational outcomes including risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes. The mean vitamin D levels were normal in infants whereas their mothers had low levels of vitamin D. When we consider that all mothers in the study received vitamin D supplements, we should give appropriate vitamin D prophylaxis during pregnancy. Also we should give adequate vitamin D supplementation to the infants without any delay.

The Effect of Expenditure on Private Education and Stress Caused by Private Education on Parental Efficacy of Mothers of Junior and Senior High School Students

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of expenditure on private education and stress caused by private education on the parental efficacy of mothers of junior and senior high school students. The subjects were 300 mothers of students who were enrolled in the junior and senior high school in Seoul and its suburbs. The results were as follows: First, the level of stress from private education was found to be higher than the degree of parental efficacy. Second, a hierarchical regression analysis was performed by using expenditure on private education and stress caused by private education as independent variables and the socio-demographic characteristics of mothers as control variables in order to identify their effect on the parental efficacy of mothers of junior and senior high school students. The results show that stress from private education and monthly income were significantly related to parental efficacy. That is, the lower the level of stress from private education and the higher the monthly income, the higher was the degree of parental efficacy. These findings suggest that expenditure on private education seems to be determined by the household income level; thus, income may affect psychological stress and parental efficacy of mothers with respect to the process of providing private education. Keywords: mothers of junior and senior high school students, expenditure on private education, stress caused by private education, parental efficacy

Cesarean deliveries among Nepalese mothers: changes over time 2001–2011 and determinants

To examine the most recent trends of cesarean delivery in Nepal and the association with socio-demographic characteristics of mothers. Nationally representative cross-sectional data was used from three Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Nepal in 2001 (N = 4,745), 2006 (N = 4,066) and 2011 (N = 4,148). Cesarean section delivery was measured in two categories with yes and no responses for the delivery in their latest pregnancy. Data on socio-demographic variables was obtained by interviewing the participants. The data was analysed using logistic regression models. The prevalence of cesarean section delivery was increased by more than 4 times from 2001 to 2011 both among rural and urban residents. After adjusting for mother's age, number of births in last 5 years and mother's education the prevalence of cesarean section delivery among all mothers was 1.71 times higher in 2006 (OR = 1.71, 95 % CI 1.23-2.37) and increased further in 2011 (OR = 2.42, 95 % CI 1.78-3.30) compared with year 2001. When adjusted for all the variables simultaneously, all variables except births in last 5 years remained significantly associated with cesarean section delivery of the mother. Older age, urban resident, being educated, having educated partners and being rich according to wealth index were associated with cesarean section delivery. The prevalence of cesarean section delivery continues to rise but still lower than the World Health Organization recommended rates. More studies are needed to examine the non-medical reason of increasing rates of cesarean section deliveries and their effect in maternal and infant morbidity and mortality in Nepal.

Sociodemographic characteristics of mother’s population and risk of preterm birth in Chile

BackgroundPreterm birth is a global problem in Perinatal and infant Health. Currently is gaining a growing attention. Rates of preterm birth have increased in most countries, producing a dramatic impact on public health. Factors of diverse nature have been associated to these trends.In Chile, preterm birth has increased since 90. Simultaneously, the advanced demographic transition has modified the characteristics of woman population related to maternity.The principal objective of this study is to analyze some sociodemographic characteristics of the maternal population over time, and their possible association to rates of preterm birth. The second aim is to identify groups of mothers at high risk of having a preterm child.MethodsThis population-based study examined all liveborn singletons in Chile from 1991 to 2008; divided in three periods. Preterm birth rates were measured as % births <37 weeks of gestation.Logistic regression assessed the risk of preterm birth associated with mother’s age, parity, and marital status, expressed as crude and adjusted odds ratios.ResultsOver time, rates of preterm birth increased in overall population, especially during the third period (2001–2008). In the same time, characteristics of maternal population changed: significant increase of extreme reproductive ages, significant decrease in parity and increase in mothers living without a partner.Risk of preterm birth remained higher in groups of mothers: <18 and >38 years of age; without a partner; primiparas and grandmultiparas. However, global increase in preterm birth was not explained by the modification of socio demographics characteristics of maternal population.ConclusionsSome socio demographic characteristics remained associated with preterm birth over time. These associations allowed identifying five groups of mothers at higher risk to have a preterm child in the population.Increase in overall preterm birth affected all women, even those considered at “low sociodemographic risk” and the contribution of more recent period (2001–2008) to this increase is greater.Then, studied factors couldn’t explain the increase in preterm birth. Further research will have to consider other factors affecting maternal population that could explain the observed trend of preterm birth.

Breastfeeding Duration, Social and Occupational Characteristics of Mothers in the French ‘EDEN Mother–Child’ Cohort

Socio-demographic characteristics of mothers have been associated with exclusive breastfeeding duration, but little is known about the association with maternal full- and part-time employment and return to work in European countries. To study the associations between breastfeeding, any and almost exclusive (infants receiving breast milk as their only milk) breastfeeding, at 4 months of infant's age and the socio-demographic and occupational characteristics of mothers. We used the EDEN mother-child cohort, a prospective study of 2002 singleton pregnant women in two French university hospitals. We selected all mothers (n = 1,339) who were breastfeeding at discharge from the maternity unit. Data on feeding practices were collected at the maternity unit and by postal questionnaires at 4, 8 and 12 months after the birth. Among infants breastfed at discharge, 93% were still receiving any breastfeeding (83% almost exclusive breastfeeding) at the 3rd completed week of life, 78% (63%) at the 1st completed month, and 42% (20%) at the 4th completed month. Time of return to work was a major predictor for stopping breastfeeding: the sooner the mothers returned to work, the less they breastfed their babies at 4 months of infant's age, independently of full-time or part-time employment. The association was stronger for almost exclusive breastfeeding mothers than for any breastfeeding ones. In a society where breastfeeding is not the norm, women may have difficulties combining work and breastfeeding. Specific actions need to be developed and assessed among mothers who return to work and among employers.

Temporal trends and inequality in under-5 mortality from diarrea

ABSTRACTObjective: To analyze the trend in mortality due to diarrhea among children under 5 in the town of Osasco (SP), Brazil, between 1980 and 2000. Methods: This is a descriptive observational study with two different designs, the fi rst using individuals as the unit of study, and the other ecological, using groups of individuals as units of observation and including time series analysis. Data were obtained from the state of Sao Paulo information system of deaths and the results of the 1980, 1991 and 2000 censuses. Seasonal variations were described and log linear polynomial regression models were employed to analyze trends, using the sociode-mographic characteristics of mothers and their children. Analyses were carried out of the changes in the town’s sociodemographic indicators from 1980 to 2000, the average mortality rates among under-5s due to diarrhea and the differences between districts during the 1990s. Results: There were a total of 1,360 deaths, 94.3% of which were before 1 year of age and 75.3% of which were before 6 months. There was a 98.3% reduction in mortality and the period of peak mortality shifted from summer to autumn/fall. The median age at death in-creased from 2 months at the fi rst three quinquenium of study to 3 months at the last. The residual deaths were among the children of mothers aged 20 to 29 years and of mothers who had spent less than 8 years in education. The relative risk between the worst-affected district and the average rate for the town reduced from 3.4 to 1.3 from the fi rst 5 years of the 1990s to the second half of the decade.

Tendência temporal e desigualdades na mortalidade por diarreias em menores de 5 anos

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the trend in mortality due to diarrhea among children under 5 in the town of Osasco (SP), Brazil, between 1980 and 2000. METHODS: This is a descriptive observational study with two different designs, the first using individuals as the unit of study, and the other ecological, using groups of individuals as units of observation and including time series analysis. Data were obtained from the state of Sao Paulo information system of deaths and the results of the 1980, 1991 and 2000 censuses. Seasonal variations were described and log linear polynomial regression models were employed to analyze trends, using the sociodemographic characteristics of mothers and their children. Analyses were carried out of the changes in the town's sociodemographic indicators from 1980 to 2000, the average mortality rates among under-5s due to diarrhea and the differences between districts during the 1990s. RESULTS: There were a total of 1,360 deaths, 94.3% of which were before 1 year of age and 75.3% of which were before 6 months. There was a 98.3% reduction in mortality and the period of peak mortality shifted from summer to autumn/fall. The median age at death increased from 2 months at the first three quinquenium of study to 3 months at the last. The residual deaths were among the children of mothers aged 20 to 29 years and of mothers who had spent less than 8 years in education. The relative risk between the worst-affected district and the average rate for the town reduced from 3.4 to 1.3 from the first 5 years of the 1990s to the second half of the decade. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate an increase in the age of greatest vulnerability and indicate that it is probable that the agent most often linked with mortality due to diarrhea has changed.

Temporal trends and inequality in under-5 mortality from diarrhea

To analyze the trend in mortality due to diarrhea among children under 5 in the town of Osasco (SP), Brazil, between 1980 and 2000. This is a descriptive observational study with two different designs, the first using individuals as the unit of study, and the other ecological, using groups of individuals as units of observation and including time series analysis. Data were obtained from the state of São Paulo information system of deaths and the results of the 1980, 1991 and 2000 censuses. Seasonal variations were described and log linear polynomial regression models were employed to analyze trends, using the sociodemographic characteristics of mothers and their children. Analyses were carried out of the changes in the town's sociodemographic indicators from 1980 to 2000, the average mortality rates among under-5s due to diarrhea and the differences between districts during the 1990s. There were a total of 1,360 deaths, 94.3% of which were before 1 year of age and 75.3% of which were before 6 months. There was a 98.3% reduction in mortality and the period of peak mortality shifted from summer to autumn/fall. The median age at death increased from 2 months at the first three quinquenium of study to 3 months at the last. The residual deaths were among the children of mothers aged 20 to 29 years and of mothers who had spent less than 8 years in education. The relative risk between the worst-affected district and the average rate for the town reduced from 3.4 to 1.3 from the first 5 years of the 1990s to the second half of the decade. Our results demonstrate an increase in the age of greatest vulnerability and indicate that it is probable that the agent most often linked with mortality due to diarrhea has changed.

A perinatal perspective on South Australia in the 1980s.

To assess changes in sociodemographic characteristics of mothers, their obstetric management and perinatal outcomes in the 1980s. A survey of data recorded in the South Australian perinatal data collection. For singleton births, we compared risks of stillbirth, neonatal death and perinatal death by year of birth, after adjusting for risk factors. There were 176,637 births of at least 400 g birthweight (or at least 20 weeks' gestation) notified to the perinatal data collection between 1981 and 1989. Frequency of risk factors and relative risks of stillbirth, neonatal death and perinatal death by year of birth. There have been changes in the sociodemographic characteristics of mothers, their obstetric management and perinatal outcomes during the 1980s. Crude perinatal mortality rates have not increased, despite increases in the frequency of low birthweight, preterm births, mothers aged 35 years and over, and some other risk factors. After adjusting for risk factors, the risks of stillbirth, neonatal death and perinatal death were lower among singletons in 1987-1989 than in the 1981-1982 reference period. Advances in clinical management may be preventing increases in stillbirths, neonatal deaths and perinatal deaths in response to increased numbers of births with low birthweight, preterm delivery and some other risk factors in South Australia.

The Meaning of Maternal Employment for Mothers and Their Perceptions of Their Three-Year-Old Children

The relationships between features of the maternal employment situation and mothers' positive descriptions of their 3-year-old children were investigated in a sample of 152 white, 2-parent families. Employed mothers' positive motivation for working, low role conflict, and gains in self-worth were all associated with mothers' favorable descriptions of their children. Although sociodemographic characteristics of mothers and their families were found to significantly predict maternal employment status, these demographic differences did not account for variation in mothers' positive perceptions of their children. Personal motivation for working was associated with the degree of role conflict, job satisfaction, and enjoyment of personal contact experienced by employed mothers. Meanwhile, maternal higher education was found to be a powerful mitigator of possible negative consequences for children whose mothers were working from financial necessity or were experiencing role conflict. This was especially true for positive perceptions of daughters.