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Maternal Variables (maternal + variable)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Humanities and Social Sciences	50%

Selected Abstracts

Maternal cultural participation and child health status in a Middle Eastern context: evidence from an urban health study

CHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2007
M. Khawaja
Abstract Background, The negative effect of poverty on child health has been well established. However, rapid urbanization in developing countries prompts new research questions relating to socio-cultural practices and other related variables in these settings. Objective, To examine the association between maternal cultural participation and child health status in impoverished neighbourhoods of Beirut, Lebanon. Methods, A cross-sectional survey of 1241 mothers with children aged less than 5 years was conducted from randomly selected households in three impoverished neighbourhoods of diverse ethnic and religious make-up. The outcome variable was child health status (good/bad) as assessed by the mother. Maternal variables, including cultural participation, education, demographic and environmental/structural factors, were studied. Descriptive statistics and bivariate associations were provided using Pearson's chi-square tests. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios were then obtained from binary logistic regression models. Results, Two indicators of maternal cultural participation, namely watching entertaining television and attending movies/art exhibitions, were found to be significantly associated with child health status after controlling for other risk factors. The quality of water, the quality of local health services and maternal education were also significantly associated with child health status. Household income, child gender and household dampness had no significant association with child health status in this context. Conclusion, Maternal cultural participation was a significant predictor of child health status in impoverished urban communities. Improving child health through culturally focused interventions for mothers, especially in deprived areas, may be greatly important. [source]

The psychophysiology of the maternal,fetal relationship

PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 4 2004
Janet A. Dipietro
Abstract The enigmatic quality of the maternal,fetal relationship has been extolled throughout history with little empirical support. We apply time series analysis to data for 137 maternal,fetal pairs collected at 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, and 38 weeks gestation. Maternal heart rate and skin conductance data were digitized in tandem with fetal heart rate and motor activity. No temporal relations between fetal heart rate and either maternal variable were found, although averaged maternal and fetal heart rates were correlated from 32 weeks. Consistent temporal associations between fetal movement and maternal heart rate and skin conductance were detected. Fetal movement stimulated rises in each parameter, peaking at 2 and 3 s, respectively. Associations did not change over gestation, were unaffected by a maternal stressor, and showed within-pair stability. The bidirectional nature of the maternal,fetal relationship is considered. [source]

Influence of adolescent maternal characteristics on infant development

INFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Issue 5 2007
Rachele Aiello
The present study proposed that several adolescent maternal variables would be associated with infant development. Using a sample of 71 adolescent mother-infant dyads, the study examined the relative influences of the adolescent's level of separation-individuation (Separation-Individuation Process Inventory), feelings of attachment towards the infant (Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale), and feelings of anxiety regarding separation (Maternal Separation Anxiety Scale) on infant mental and motor development (Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 2nd ed.). As it was assumed that the adolescent's perceptions of being parented would provide the foundation for each of these independent variables, this factor was also included (Parental Bonding Instrument). In the current sample, adolescent separation-individuation was the only maternal psychological variable to uniquely predict infant development, but only on the mental scale. Present findings highlight the importance of considering critical developmental processes of adolescence when exploring cognitive functioning and other outcomes in infants of adolescents. A number of possible mechanisms for the influence of separation-individuation are considered in the discussion. [source]

Child-rearing Anxiety and Its Correlates Among Japanese Mothers Screened at 18-Month Infant Health Checkups

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING, Issue 2 2007
Azusa Arimoto
ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the level of child-rearing anxiety and to explore the variables correlated with child-rearing anxiety in a city in Japan. Design: Cross-sectional study. Sample: From July to September 2003, 371 mothers who visited community health centers in a city in Tokyo Metropolis for their child's 18-month health checkups. Measurements: Child-rearing anxiety was measured by the child-rearing anxiety scale. Questions in a self-reported questionnaire were on maternal variables, including maternal background information, child variables, and family system variables such as the presence of social support, and utilization of parenting support services. Also included within the questionnaire was the General Health Questionnaire-12. Results: Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis revealed that mothers with higher child-rearing anxiety had less childcare satisfaction, more depressive symptoms, more worries about the child, less support from the husband, and less social support. Conclusion: To identify mothers with high child-rearing anxiety in Japan, the infant health checkups should be utilized as an opportunity for screening, focusing on variables regarding mothers. Public health nurses can provide the necessary support after gaining an understanding of issues confronting mothers to prevent child-rearing anxiety and child abuse. [source]