• Health Policy and Management
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.585-598
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• 2011

This study was conducted to examine the trend of national health insurance service use with relation to pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium among pregnant and postpartum women older than 35 over the last decade. A descriptive analysis was conducted, using the data which were drawn from the "nationwide claim database of Korean National Health Insurance Corporation(NHIC)". Data were composed of the total cases related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium (International Classification of Disease, $10^{th}$revision [ICD-10] codes O00-O99) from 2001 to 2008. During 2001-2008, the number of pregnant and postpartum women older than 35 had continuously increased and the percentage of them also had increased in both hospital and ambulatory care. There are similar trends in their total use of national health insurance service and total expenditure. According to demographic characteristics, there was the biggest increase of the percentage in residents in large cities, self-employed workers, ones in the highest income level. According to ICD-10 codes, there was the biggest increase of the percentage in O10-O16 (oedema, proteinuria and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium). According to the major prevalent disease, there was the biggest increase of the percentage in O60 (preterm labor and delivery). Throughout the past decade, the necessity has been emphasized of supporting pregnant and postpartum women older than 35. But in maternal and child health care, they are in an early stage of development. The findings of this study would be helpful in developing the support programs for the aged pregnant and postpartum women.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.389-409
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• 1999

This study was carried out to identify the differences between nursing needs and levels of satisfaction of postpartum women during the early postpartum period. The goal of this study was to obtain needed to develope the nursing quality for postpartum women. The subjects were 87 postpartum women who had vaginal delivery at 2 general hospital and 2 maternity hospital in the Ulsan City. The period for the data collection was from June 1 to 29, 1999. The data was gathered using an 98 items questionnaire which was a modified version of a questionnaire the developed by Y. J. Chun. Results found are as follows : 1. The general characteristics of the subjects : The majority of subjects were 25-29 yrs. (57.5%), high school and college graduates(96.5%), unemployed(75.9%), middle ranged economics(93.1%), had no religion(43.7%), male baby(52.9%), birth weight 3-3.5Kg(49.4%), wanted pregnancy(96.6%), no abortion history(50.6%), had antenatal care(89.7%), had prenatal education(32.2%), postnatal education(42.5%), intended breast feeding (46.0%), had resonable self confidence about self(20.7%), infant care(36.8%) and nuclear family pattern(82.3%). 2. The level of nursing needs of overall nursing care(3.93) and the levels of satisfaction(3.86) was relatively high. The nursing needs by category of nursing care, the highest need was in the emotional and psychological care(4.09), and the lowest need was in physical need(3.73). The satisfactions by category of nursing care, the highest satisfaction was in emotional and psychological care(4.11) and the lowest satisfaction was in education in self care(3.64). The significant differences between nursing needs and satisfactions were found on education in infant care(p=.005), and education in self care(p=.020). 3. Among items of physical care, 'accurate medication and treatment(4.21)', 'control of postpartum hemorrhage(4.13)', 'pain control and care of episiotomy wound (4.12)' and 'regular observation of postpartum conditions(4.09)' showed high nursing needs. 'Accurate medication and treatment(4.31)', 'regular observation of postpartum condition(4.24)', 'control of postpartum hemorrhage(4.22)' and 'pain control and care of episiotomy wound(4.12)' showed high satisfaction levels. 4. Among items of emotional and psychological care, 'personal treatment(4.32)', kind and faithful care(4.30)', 'detailed explanation on the treatment or nursing care(4.25)', 'adequate draping during the care and treatment(4.23)' and detailed explanation on a doubt(4.13)', showed high nursing needs, 'personal treatment(4.52)', 'kind and faithful care(4.45)', 'detailed explanation on a doubt(4.24)', 'detailed explanation on the treatment or nursing care(4.21)' and 'adequate draping during the care and treatment(4.18)' showed high satisfaction of nursing care. Difference between the level of nursing needs and satisfaction was significant except item of 'early contacts with their baby and breast feeding'. 5. Among items of environmental care, the highest level of need and satisfaction were on the items of 'neat bedding and clothes(4.05, 4.21)' and 'room cleansing or care of room(4.01, 4.28)'. Differences between the level of nursing care and satisfaction were 'room cleansing of care of room'. 6. Among items of educational needs on self care, 'sitz bath method(4.22)', 'high risk symptoms to immediate clinic visits(4.13)', 'the timing of tub bath(4.05)' and 'good secretion of breast milk(4.03)', showed high nursing needs, 'sitz bath method(4.22)' showed high satisfaction of nursing care. Differences between the level of nursing care and satisfaction were 'the timing of hair shampoo', 'the timing of tub bath', ' the method of pad change', 'postpartum exercise', 'good secretion of breast milk', 'maintenance of breast figure', 'contraindicated drugs in postpartum women', 'kegel exercise' and 'breast self examination'. 7. Among items of educational needs on infant care, 'immunization of infants(4.36)', 'symptoms of sickness to immediate clinic visits(4.28)'. 'safety and emergency care(4.28)', 'umbilical care(4.26)', 'feeding times and intervals(4.24)', 'normal growth and development of infant(4.24)' and 'infection control(4.22)', showed high level of nursing care, 'immunization of infants(4.21)', 'feeding times and intervals(4.17)', were high satisfaction items showed significant differences between the level of nursing care and satisfaction. 8. Relationship between nursing needs and levels of satisfaction among postpartum women were as follows : 1) Physical area : There were no significant differences in the level of nursing needs, but satisfaction levels were significantly different among 'working mothers', 'baby's weights', 'baby's sex', 'planning of feeding' and 'routes of receiving postpartum informations'. 2) Emotional and psychological area : The level of nursing needs were significantly different in the area of 'confidence in self care'. Satisfaction levels were significantly different among 'baby's sex', 'baby's weights', 'the confidence of infant care' and 'working mother'. 3) Environment area : There were on significant differences in the level of nursing needs, but satisfaction levels were significantly different among 'maternal age' and 'baby's weights'. 4) Education in self care : The level of nursing needs were significantly different among 'parity history' and 'type of family formation'. Satisfaction levels were significantly different among 'working mother', 'baby's sex', 'antenatal care', 'postpartum education', 'planning of feeding', 'routes of receiving postpartum informations'. 5) Education in infant care area : The level of nursing needs were significantly different among 'parity history'. Satisfaction levels were significantly different among 'baby's sex', 'receiving postpartum education or not' and 'working mother'.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.131-144
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• 2010

Purpose: There has not been decisional consensus in the concepts and the ways of postpartum cares between Western and non-Western cultures though the importance of postpartum period has been emphasized by the multitude of health professionals. In this study, we investigated the differences in recognition concerning postpartum care among Koreans, Korean residents in America, and Americans (hereafter, K, KA, A). Methods: We used questionnaire of women who had given birth from last 6 weeks to less than 13 years. The women consisted of three groups;104 K, 44 KA, and 44 A. Results: In the perception survey concerning postpartum care, every three group thought that postpartum care was important. However, there were differences in understanding how it would affect women's health, and what they did in the period. K significantly agreed with the content and the importance of postpartum care. The investigation concerning seven categories of postpartum care showed that K group performed the 6 categories except consuming medication beneficial for the postpartum care. KA group performed in a low rate and A group performed two categories in a significantly low rate two categories; avoiding cold stimulation and keeping the body warm. Conclusion: Based on this study, it should be suggested that there were common points and differences among the recognition concerning postnatal care in three groups. Therefore, health professionals make efforts in understanding diversities on postnatal care and providing the adequate services reflecting each mother's needs and recognition.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.77-89
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare maternal perceptions between two groups of postpartum women, women who chose to have their babies room-in and women who did not (non rooming-in group). Methods: Data collection was conducted in 37 hospitals from August 10 to September 20, 2008. The participants were 209 mothers opting for rooming-in and 128 mothers for non rooming-in. The women completed a questionnaire which included the Edinburgh postpartum depression scale, maternal attachment inventory, and postpartum self-evaluation questionnaire. Results: There were significant differences in education level, income and antenatal education between the rooming-in and non rooming-in groups. The rooming-in group also showed higher levels of satisfaction with medical services. More important, the rate of breast feeding for the rooming-in group was higher than for the non rooming-in group. There was no difference between the two groups for postpartum depression, maternal attachment and mothers' confidence with infant care tasks. Conclusion: These findings suggest that rooming-in system has more advantages compared to non rooming-in and that it can help to promote breast feeding. The authors recommend that the rooming-in system be expanded nationwide. The results of this research can be used to assist the development of future rooming-in system expansion strategy.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.244-251
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• 2004

Purposes: This study was to examine the effects of postpartum exercise on pressure of the pelvic muscle contraction, body composition and physical fitness of postpartum mothers. Method: A nonequivalent pre-test, post-test control group study was conducted. Fifty-two postpartum mothers(experimental group, 26; control group, 26) admitted to a postpartum ward in a Busan mother-baby clinic were recruited. Data was analyzed using mean, $x^2$-test, and t-test by SPSS 10.0. Result: Body fat mass(t=-3.196. p= .002), body fat rate (t=-3.831, p= .000), and fat distribution(t=-3.026, p= .004) of body composition increased significantly in the experimental group after the postpartum exercise as compared with the control group. After an 8 week exercise program, the pressure of the pelvic muscle contraction in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control group(t=3.329, p=.002). In the change of physical fitness, grip strength of the hand, back muscle strength, and trunk flexion forward were not significantly changed, but trunk backward extension in the experimental group significantly increased(t=1.950, p=.050). Conclusion: Postpartum exercise affects pelvic muscle contraction, body composition, and physical fitness of the postpartum mother.

• 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.

• Perspectives in Nursing Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.63-73
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• 2014

Purpose: This study examine the effects of music therapy and phone counseling on postpartum depression and maternal identity in high risk women. Methods: A nonequivalent control group time series research design was employed. Eighteen women comprised the experimental group and seventeen women, the control group. Experimental group received 4 weeks of music therapy and phone counseling. Postpartum depression and maternal identity were measured prior to intervention and on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th weeks after its introduction. Results: The first hypothesis (i.e., "the degree of postpartum depression would be lower in the experimental group than in the control group in a month's time") was not supported (z=-0.47, p=.641). The second hypothesis (i.e., "the degree of maternal identity would be lower in the experimental group than in the control group in a month") was not supported as well (z=1.08, p=.285). Conclusion: There is the need to monitor long-term effects of music therapy and phone counseling on high risk postpartum women, beyond 4 weeks observed in this study. Additionally, the development of music therapy tailored to high risk individuals and systematic phone counseling protocols for postpartum depression is required.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.22 no.8
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• pp.648-659
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Hand Acupressure Therapy on lower back pain, hip joint range of motion, and depression in postpartum women. Methods: Data was collected from March 21 to May 1, 2022 from 40 postpartum women. 𝛘²-test, independent t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Scheffe's test were performed using SPSS/WIN 21.0. Results: Compared with the control group, the lower back pain score of the experimental group that performed Hand Acupressure therapy was lower, and the angle of joint range of motion was increased. Postpartum depression scores were also shown to decrease, and all of these results were statistically significant. Conclusions: Based on this study, it was confirmed that Hand Acupressure therapy can be used as an effective non-invasive intervention for back pain, joint range of motion, and postpartum depression, and suggested the implications and direction of further research.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.579-595
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• 2001

This study was carried out to understand the home health care needs of postpartum women during the postpartum period. The goal of this study was to obtain data needed to develope postpartum home health care programs and to improve the nursing quality for postpartum women. A convenient sample of 105 healthy women who were discharged after delivery at a maternity hospital in Ulsan, Korea were studied from January 25 to April 15, 2001. Data collection was done with a structured questionnaire (maternal concerns questionnaire) by mailing. Data was collected from 1 to 4 weeks after delivery. The Results of this study were as follows: 1. The mean score of home health care need of postpartum women was 2.51. The degree of nursing need according to the category of home health care needs was 'concerns about the infant ($2.91{\pm}.68$)', 'maternal physical and emotional concerns ($2.62{\pm}.52$)', 'concerns related to the husband ($2.45{\pm}.73$)', 'concerns related to the family ($2.16{\pm}.64$)', 'concerns related to the community ($2.03{\pm}.60$)' in rank. Among the items, 'recognizing illness in the newborn ($3.36{\pm}.83$)', 'normal growth and development ($3.33{\pm}.92$)' were high. 2. Among items of concerns about infant ($2.91{\pm}.68$), 'recognizing illness in the newborn ($3.36{\pm}.83$)', 'normal growth and development ($3.33{\pm}.52$)' showed high nursing needs. 3. Among items of maternal physical and emotional concerns ($2.62{\pm}.52$), 'being a good mother ($3.31{\pm}.86$)', 'return of their figures to normal ($3.04{\pm}1.05$) showed high nursing needs. 4. Among items of concerns about husband ($2.45{\pm}.73$), 'husband being a good father ($2.84{\pm}1.00$) shows high nursing needs. 5. Among items of concerns related to the community ($2.03{\pm}.60$), 'getting to health care facilities ($2.69{\pm}.90$) shows high nursing needs. 6. On considering the relationship between the postpartum women s home health care needs and their general characteristics, parity (t=2.436, p=.017) and delivery type (t=2.074, p=.041) were statistically significant.