Support-Seeking Behavior Among Japanese Mothers at High-Risk of Mental Health Problems: A Community-Based Study at a City Health Center

Abstract

: Aim : The aim of this small -scale study is to explore support -seeking behavior among mothers at high -risk of mental health problems on community basis in Japan. Methods : A survey using one month home visit data was conducted among mothers who registered their pregnancy at Shirakawa City Health Center, Fukushima, from April to September 2010. Probable postpartum depression at one month postpartum was assessed using the Japanese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the mother's bonding to her child at one month postpartum was measured by the Bonding Questionnaire. Results : A total of 118 out of 217 registered mothers were available for analysis. The proportion of probable depression among first time and experienced mothers was 12% and 3%, and that of low bonding was 43% and 13%, respectively. Factors that showed significant associations with probable depression and/or low -bonding among first -time mothers were financial difficulty, obstetrical problems, unhappy feeling towards pregnancy, younger maternal age, later gestational week at registration ; associated factors among experienced mothers were financial difficulty and obstetrical problems. At the time of pregnancy, 35 (90%) of first -time mothers and 22 (31%) of experienced mothers expressed the intention to attend antenatal classes. None of the risk factors for probable depression or low -bonding were associated with the mother's intention to attend antenatal classes in this study. Conclusion : Pregnancy history, obstetrical problems, sociodemographic information and maternal feeling toward pregnancy should be carefully screened in antenatal phase, and those at risk of postpartum mental health problems should be screened and actively invited to antenatal classes.

Mental health problems and influencing factors in Japanese women 4 months after delivery

“…However, some studies reported that younger maternal age was associated with postpartum mental health problems [24, 25]. On the other hand, Bjerke et al [26] reported that among Pakistani women, the probability of postpartum depression at 6 to 12 weeks after delivery was 4.6 times higher in women over 30 years of age compared to women under 30.…”

“…A study on mental health at the population level in Finland showed that a poor economic situation was associated with poor mental health status as assessed by the GHQ-12 [30]. Furthermore, some studies have pointed out that financial difficulties are a significant risk factor for postpartum mental health problems [18, 24, 31]. Romito et al [18] reported that financial worries were associated with poor mental health status in Italian and French women 12 months after birth.…”

“…Romito et al [18] reported that financial worries were associated with poor mental health status in Italian and French women 12 months after birth. Ngoma et al [24] also reported a significant association between financial difficulty and mental health problems among Japanese women 1 month postpartum and speculated that this association might be partly attributed to increased levels of stress among mothers who lack the financial means necessary to raise their infants. In our study, financial difficulty had a borderline association with poor mental health, which is consistent with previous findings.…”