• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.587-594
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• 2015

Purpose: To identify the effects of foot reflexology massage on fatigue, stress and depression of postpartum women. Methods: A nonequivalent control group pre-post design was used. A total of 70 women in a postpartum care center were recruited and were assigned to the experimental group (35) or control group (35). Foot reflexology massage was provided to the experimental group once a day for three days. Data were collected before and after the intervention program which was carried out from December, 2013 to February, 2014. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and t-test. Results: The level of fatigue in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (t= - 2.74, p=.008). The level of cortisol in the urine of women in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (t= - 2.19, p=.032). The level of depression in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (t= - 3.00, p=.004). Conclusion: The results show that the foot reflexology massage is an effective nursing intervention to relieve fatigue, stress, and depression for postpartum women.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 2018

Purpose: Postpartum fatigue can impact maternal well-being and has been associated with levels of perceived self-care. This study aimed to examine the relationship among fatigue, depressive mood, self-care agency, and self-care action among postpartum women in Bangladesh. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional survey was done with 124 first-time mothers from two tertiary hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Modified Fatigue Symptoms checklist, Denyes' Self Care Instrument, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and items on sociodemographic and delivery-related characteristics, were used in Bengali via translation and back-translation process. Results: High fatigue levels were found in 18.5% (n=23) and 73.4% had possible depression (n=91). There was a significant negative relationship between fatigue and self-care agency (r=-.31, p<.001), and self-care action (r=-.21, p<.05). Fatigue differed by level of self-care agency (t=4.06, p<.001), self-care action (t=2.36, p=.023), newborn's APGAR score (t=-2.93, p=.004), parental preparation class participation (F=15.53, p<.001), and postpartum depressive mood (t=-4.64, p<.001). Conclusion: Findings suggest that high level of self-care efficacy and behaviors can contribute to fatigue management, and highlight the need for practical interventions to better prepare mothers for postpartum self-care, which may, in turn, alleviate postpartum fatigue.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.33-45
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• 2013

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the tendency toward depression and fatigue in early postpartum women and to determine the relationship between the symptoms of these conditions, according to the women's Sasang constitutions. Methods: In this study, 73 healthy postpartum women were analyzed according to Sasang constitution: 33 Taeeumin, 22 Soyangin, and 18 Soeumin. Symptoms of depression and fatigue were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale-K(EPDS-K) and the Fatigue Continuum Form(FCF), respectively, on the fourth(time 1), seventh(time 2), and fifteenth(time 3) days postpartum. Sasang constitutional types were determined by a medical specialist, using results from the Two Step Questionnaire for Sasang Constitution Diagnosis(TS-QSCD). Results: 1. The overall depressive symptoms and fatigue scores decreased significantly over time in early postpartum women. 2. The mean scores for the EPDS and FCF were higher in the Soeumin group than in other groups. The scores for EPDS and FCF dropped sharply in comparison to a former level in the Soyangin group. And the mean EPDS score was lower in the Soyangin group than in other groups. The EPDS and FCF scores in the Taeeumin group changed slightly over time. However, these results were not statistically significant according to Sasang constitution. 3. The relationship between postpartum depression and fatigue showed a significant positive correlation. Conclusions: These results suggest that, in early postpartum women, depressive symptoms and fatigue differ according to Sasang constitution.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.226-237
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the levels of postpartum fatigue, parenting stress, family support, and postpartum depression (PPD) experienced by first-time Chinese mothers and to investigate their impact on PPD. Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved 150 primigravida women attending postnatal checkups in Hebi City, Henan Province, China. Demographic data and information on environmental variables (living conditions, family relationships), postpartum fatigue, parenting stress, family support (expected vs. actual level), and PPD were collected. Results: The average age of the women was 26.25 years (SD, ±3.90), with 78.7% at risk for PPD (score ≥10). Significant correlations were found between PPD and postpartum fatigue (r=.63, p<.001), parenting stress (r=.59, p<.001), and family support (r=.40, p<.001). In model 1, which examined the influence of women's demographic variables on PPD, significant factors included a poor relationship with parents (β=.24, p=.001), a poor relationship with parents-in-law (β=.18, p=.029), and a poor relationship with the husband (β=.20, p=.013). When the three research variables were incorporated into model 2, the factors contributing to a higher level of PPD included a poor relationship with parents-in-law (β=.14, p=.033), increased postpartum fatigue (β=.37, p<.001), increased parenting stress (β=.33, p<.001), and less family support than expected (β=.12, p=.048). Conclusion: The most critical factors influencing PPD include postpartum fatigue, parenting stress, poor relationships with parents-in-law, and low family support among Chinese primiparas. To mitigate PPD levels, healthcare professionals should screen mothers for depression in outpatient clinics and offer education and counseling to both mothers and their families or companions regarding PPD.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.461-472
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• 2001

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.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.241-255
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• 2001

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study which compares the level of postpartum women's physical, phychological, neurosensory fatigue between rooming-in and non rooming-in groups. The data were collected by using self-report questionnaire from April 1 to May 31, 2001. Subjects were 68 mothers who opted the rooming-in choice and 98 mothers who did not choose the rooming-in at one hospital in Seoul, Korea. They all had NSVD. The research questionnaire consisted of 36 items on general chracteristics and 30 items on postpartum fatigue developed by Pugh (1993). The data were analyzed by using the SPSS 10.0 window program. The results of this study were as follow: 1. There was significant statistical difference in general characteristics between rooming-in and non rooming-in groups in prenatal class attendance ($x^2$=3.935, p=0.047), maternal fetal attachment score (t=2.130, p=0.035), husband attendance during the labor and delivery ($x^2$=9.147, p=0.002), breast feeding ($x^2$=12.503, p=0.000), and self feeding time including bottle feeding (t=4.588, p=0.000). 2. There was no significant statistical difference in the level of total fatigue score between two groups (t=0.282, p=0.780). 3. The physical and neurosensory fatigue scores were slightly higher in rooming-in group ($21.63{\pm}4.92$, $18.53{\pm}4.60$) than those ($20.71{\pm}5.78$, $18.23{\pm}5.39$) of non rooming-in group. And the phychological fatigue score was slightly higher in non rooming-in group ($17.67{\pm}4.95$) than that ($17.04{\pm}4.63$) of rooming-in group. However, there was no significant statistical difference in the level of three sub-dimension fatigue between two groups (t=1.068, p=0.287; t=-0.827, p=0.410; t=0.368, p=0.714). 4. Even after controlling characteristics showed significant differences between two groups, there was no significant statistical difference in the level of fatigue between two groups (F=0.135, p=0.714). According to this study, there was no significant statistical difference in the level of postpartum fatigue whether they were rooming-in or not. Based on this result, the common notion of rooming-in mothers will be more fatigue than non rooming-in mothers is proved to be false. However, it is necessary to develop appropriate nursing interventions to meet the need of mothers who decide to rooming-in.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.266-276
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was correlation study to identify the factors influencing sleep quality, fatigue, and postnatal depression in mothers who have given birth during the past 6 months. Methods: The study was conducted using a survey with questionnaires to 329 mothers who visited E University Medical Center, or three local clinics located in D city, between August and October 2013. Collected data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 20.0 program. Results: Out of 329 subjects, 18.2% showed that they had mild postnatal depression whereas 24.3% had severe postnatal depression. Accordingly, 42.5% reported having postnatal depression. Postnatal depression had a significant correlation with sleep hours after childbirth (r=-.16, p=.003), spousal support (r=-.28, p<.001), sleep quality (r=-.35, p<.001), physical fatigue (r=.66, p<.001), psychological fatigue (r=.69, p<.001), and neurosensory fatigue (r=.56, p< .001). Factors influencing postnatal depression include psychological fatigue, sleep quality, number of child births, and neurosensory fatigue, and these accounted for 53% of postnatal depression. Conclusion: Results indicate that factors influencing postnatal depression involve psychological fatigue, sleep quality, number of child births, and neurosensory fatigue. Therefore for nursing intervention for postpartum mothers, it is necessary to assess the level of depression, fatigue, and sleep quality, and to provide interventions to relieve depression.

• Korean Parent-Child Health Journal
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.1-18
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• 2001

Fatigue after delivery affect women's birth experience and interrupt the process of labor. Finally woman cannot have a positive birth result and will experience a postpartum fatigue. But researches about fatigue during the labor are lacked. Nurse help adapting a mother's role, bonding with new baby, recovering after birth, and improving woman's quality of life through decreasing fatigue during the labor and intercepting a continued postpartum fatigue. So it is very important that measuring a fatigue and confirming relationships between fatigue and factors affecting fatigue. The purpose of this study was measuring the level of fatigue within 4hours after delivery and identifing factors affecting fatigue. The ultimate goal was to contribute to improving a birth experience and adapting after birth through decreasing the level of fatigue and interventions. The data was collected for this study at the hospital of two universities and the third hospital in Seoul from Aug. 15. to Nov. 10. 2000. The subjects were 106 of mothers who deliveried a normal newborn and were tested within four hours after birth. The instruments were The Visual Analogue Scale for fatigue, The State Anxiety Inventory, and The Labor Support Inventory. The data were analyzed by using percentage, mean, SD, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation. The results of this study were as follows; (1) The level of fatigue during the labor was 61.48point. (2) The deferences according to general and obstetric character affecting fatigue founded that there were Significant differences according to job(t=2.659, p=0.009), and the type of delivery(t=-2.035, p=0.044). (3) The deferences according to factors affecting fatigue revealed that there was significant difference according to quality of sleep(F=2.935, p=0.037). The significant fatigue and the fatigue after delivery was anxiety(r=0.343, p=0.000). The above findings indicate that the level of fatigue during the labor is higher than during pregnancy and postpartum. Woman having a job, delivering by vacuum was more fatigued. The level of fatigue according to a quality of sleep was significant difference. The poor quality of sleep, higher level of fatigue. And the more anxiety after delivery, the more fatigue. So, the variable nursing interventions for lessening the level of fatigue through appling the situation for rest, relaxation during the labor to reserve energy, and decreasing anxiety should be provided for mothers.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.7-19
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• 2002

This study was to compare mother's postpartum physical health, mental health, and role performance between mothers with fullterm infants and preterm infants over 3 months postpartum period. The study used a correlational and longitudinal design and was secondary data analysis from a large study. A convenience sample of 132 mothers who had fullterm and preterm infants was followed up for 3 times (postpartum 1-2 days, 6 weeks, and 3 months) during the first 3 months postpartum period. Postpartum physical health was assessed by level of fatigue in the morning and in the afternoon, and number of physical symptoms. Postpartum mental health was assessed by positive affect, anxiety, and depression; and postpartum role performance was measured by role functional status. Mothers with preterm infants experienced higher levels of fatigue in the morning, lower positive affect, higher anxiety and higher depression over 3 data collection time points, compared to mothers with fullterm infants. Mothers with preterm infants also resumed lesser self-care activity and social and community activity than the counterparts. It implies that some aspects of preterm birth and caring for preterm infants continue to negatively affect the mother's health outcomes during the postpartum period.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.55-68
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• 2002

While the survival rate of preterm infants and employment rates of mothers with infants have been dramatically increasing, little is known about the impact of maternal employment and having premature infants on maternal health recovery after delivery. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine differences in postpartum health by mother's employment and infant's prematurity over time during the first 3 months postpartum. The study used a longitudinal design and was secondary data analysis from a large study. A convenience sample of 132 mothers was recruited with mothers who had fullterm or preterm infants through the postpartum unit. They were followed up for 3 times (at 1-2 days, 6 weeks, and 3 months) during the first 3 months postpartum period. Level of fatigue and hysical symptoms were indicators for postpartum physical health; Positive affect and negative affect were assessed for postpartum mental health, and role functional status after childbirth was for role performance. Finding indicated that health indicators changed significantly over time but there was no main or interaction effect for maternal employment status. There were main effects of infant's prematurity on positive affect, negative affect, and role functional status (self-care and social and community activities). This study enhanced the understanding of postpartum health of mothers with preterm infants as well as those with fullterm infants during the postpartum period.