Mothers Perception of Fatigue in Postpartum Period

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A study was done to identify mothers' perception of fatigue in postpartum period. Questionnaires were collected from 267 normal postpartum mothers in Korea from July to December 2000. The questionnaires used to measure mothers' fatigue were "Subjective Symptoms of Fatigue Test" designed by Research Committee of Industrial Fatigue in Hygienic Association of Japan Industry. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS-Win. The results revealed that The average fatigue score of subjects was 1.70; Physical fatigue had the highest value with a mean of 1.89, followed by psychological fatigue with a mean score of 1.62, neuro-sensory fatigue was rated lowest with a mean of 1.58. Sorting out the subjects fatigue level per a week during Sweeks, 6th week after postpartum had the highest value with a mean of 1.85. Degree of fatigue was also compared with the respect to the general characteristics of mothers: There were statistically significant differences according to mothers' job (t=-2.021, p=.046), sleeping time (t=2.771, p=.006), having a nap (t=-2.132, p=.034), baby character (F=3.089, p=.047), baby sex (t=-2.054, p=.041), having a person who help domestic affairs (t=2.292, p=.023). Therefore variable nursing intervention should be provided to alleviate the fatigue according to the postpartum period. Especially the nursing intervention program to alleviate the physical fatigue is needed.