Explore the vast range of titles available.

Background Postpartum women frequently experience declines in physical activity (PA) resulting from lifestyle changes, caregiving demands, and physical recovery, which increases the risk of long-term physical and mental health issues. While behavioral strategies can promote PA, few interventions address the lifestyle-related barriers specific to postpartum women using objective PA measures, and remote, group-based approaches remain underexplored. This study evaluated the efficacy of an 8-week remotely delivered, group-based PA intervention in increasing objectively measured PA, exercise-related self-efficacy, and psychosocial well-being among postpartum women. Methods In this web-based, two-arm randomized controlled trial, 175 postpartum women (2–6 months postpartum) in Japan were allocated to either an intervention ( n  = 89) or waitlist control group ( n  = 86). The intervention combined weekly instructor-led online group sessions with a structured home-based exercise program, incorporating behavioral strategies grounded in self-determination and social cognitive theories. The primary outcome was daily moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) measured via triaxial accelerometers. The secondary outcomes included daily step counts, health-related quality of life (HRQoL; Short Form-12 Health Survey version 2), sense of coherence (SOC; Sense of Coherence Scale), and exercise self-efficacy (decisional balance for exercise). Analyses used generalized estimating equations adjusting for baseline values and age. Results Retention was 98%–99%, with 94% attending at least four of six classes. Compared with controls, the intervention significantly increased MVPA by 5.97 min/day (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34, 10.60; p  = 0.012) and daily steps by 576 (95% CI: 73, 1079; p  = 0.025). SOC increased by 4.14 points (95% CI: 1.70, 6.58; p  < 0.001) and exercise self-efficacy increased (balance score difference: 2.74; 95% CI: 0.71, 4.78; p  = 0.008), mainly because of reduced perceived barriers. No significant changes in HRQoL were observed. Conclusions This remote, group-based PA intervention, designed to accommodate the lifestyle demands of the postpartum period, effectively increased PA and enhanced psychosocial resources in postpartum women. By fostering self-efficacy, peer support, and accessible home-based participation, this program may support both short- and long-term physical and mental health. These findings highlight the potential of scalable online PA programs to overcome common postpartum barriers. Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR): UMIN000053478, registered 31 January 2024.

Background Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) after childbirth may affect mother-infant bonding. This study examined the relationship between aspects of PTSS after childbirth and bonding failure for mothers at 1 month and 4 months after delivery. Methods This longitudinal study surveyed 130 mothers at 1 month (T1) and 4 months (T2) after delivery. We performed multiple regression analysis with the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) as the dependent variable and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Relationship Questionnaire (RQ), Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve score (F.APGAR), and demographic data as independent variables. Results The rate of mothers with an IES-R score of ≥ 25 was 6.2% at T1 and 3.8% at T2. The IES-R and the EPDS were relevant factors for the PBQ at T1. The IES-R was not a relevant factor, but the EPDS was a relevant factor for the PBQ at T2. The IES-R at T1 was not a predictor for the PBQ at T2. The PBQ at T1 was the largest predictor for the PBQ at T2, when compared with the EPDS, F.APGAR, and dismissive attachment pattern (RQ) at T1. Conclusions PTSS after childbirth had a strong influence on bonding failure at T1. However, the important factor affecting bonding failure was not PTSS after childbirth, but depression at T2. If PTSS after childbirth are accompanied by depression at T2, bonding failure may be affected. Bonding failure affected by PTSS after childbirth at T1 could affect bonding failure at T2. Health professionals should assess the degree of PTSS after childbirth and start to care for mothers at T1.

This study examined the associations between intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy, mother-to-infant bonding failure, and postnatal depressive symptoms at 1 month postnatal. This study also examined if these relationships would be mediated by antenatal depressive symptoms. This study was a prospective cohort study that investigated effects between the third trimester of pregnancy and 1 month after childbirth. The Japanese version of the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA), the Japanese version of the Mother-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS), and the Japanese version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to measure IPV during pregnancy, bonding failure with infants, and depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the postnatal period respectively. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to find the associations between those four variables. The final path model of the SEM showed good fit with the data. IPV during pregnancy was associated with mother-to-infant bonding failure at 1 month postnatal, whereas IPV during pregnancy was not significantly associated with postnatal depressive symptoms at 1 month postnatal. In addition, this study demonstrated that the associations between IPV during pregnancy, mother-to-infant bonding failure, and postnatal depressive symptoms at 1 month postnatal were mediated by antenatal depressive symptoms. The results of this study indicated the need for interventions for IPV and psychological health care for abused pregnant women to prevent antenatal depressive symptoms in prenatal health settings. Those interventions by perinatal health professionals would help to prevent bonding failure with infants and postnatal depressive symptoms after childbirth.

This prospective observational study investigated secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure levels across gestational stages and identified longitudinal associated factors among pregnant women in Darkhan-Uul Province, Mongolia. Participants recruited between October 2019 and September 2020 answered a self-administered questionnaire and provided spot urine samples at each trimester. SHS exposure was assessed via urinary cotinine (UC) levels, and generalized estimating equations were used to identify associated factors. The final sample included 526 participants. UC levels ≥ 5 ng/mL were observed in 40.1%, 32.0%, and 29.0% of participants in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. Compared to the first trimester, the risk of SHS exposure was significantly lower in the second (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54–0.91) and third trimesters (AOR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.45–0.77). Additionally, compared to smoke-free households, those permitting smoking in designated areas (AOR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.28–2.26) or having no restrictions (AOR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.29–4.96) showed higher odds of exposure. These results highlight the importance of household smoking restrictions and should be disseminated among pregnant women, their families, and healthcare providers to reduce risk of SHS exposure.

The issue of anemia is important in terms of a woman’s preconception health. This study aimed to conduct an exploratory investigation of the prevalence of and factors related to anemia in non-pregnant Japanese women. Secondary data analysis was conducted using a database of women aged 20–49 years old who had attended an annual health check-up at a hospital in Tokyo (n = 10,598). A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors related to anemia in two age groups: women aged 34 and under and those aged 35 and over. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin concentration levels <12.0 g/dL. The overall proportion of women with Hb <12.0 g/dL was 17.1%. Women aged 35 and over with a current medical history of uterine myoma were found to be at a higher risk of anemia. Women aged 35 and over who were overweight had a lower risk of anemia than women with normal weights. Current and past smoking habits affected hemoglobin levels among women aged 35 and over. In both age groups, those who drank alcohol habitually were at a lower risk than those who did not. Related factors of anemia should take into consideration a woman’s age and lifestyle.

Background and Objectives: Perception of body weight often affects dietary intake and biological nutrient concentrations. However, the association during pregnancy has not been clarified. This study examined the association of the perceived pre-pregnancy body weight with nutrient intake and circulating nutrient concentrations during pregnancy. Methods and Study Design: The cross-sectional study was conducted at a university hospital in Tokyo, Japan, from 2010 to 2014. Nutrient intake was assessed using a diet history questionnaire. The circulating concentrations of some nutrients were measured. The participants were divided into the following groups based on the perceived pre-pregnancy body weight: thin group (TG, n=174), average group (AG, n=357), and fat group (FG, n=220). Analysis of covariance was performed to compare the nutritional status among the groups. Results: Women in the AG had significantly higher energy-adjusted intake of important nutrients such as eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, total dietary fiber, calcium, iron, and folate compared with women in the TG or FG. Among women with pre-pregnancy normal body mass index (BMI), intakes of nutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B1 and the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and beta-carotene concentrations were significantly lower in the FG than in TG or AG. Among women with pre-pregnancy underweight, no significant differences were found in the nutritional status between the groups. Conclusions: Pregnant Japanese women who overestimate their pre-pregnancy body weight despite having a normal BMI may need to have their nutritional status carefully assessed as a high-risk population for several nutrient deficiencies.

This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the daily salt intake of medical professionals working in public health facilities in Darkhan-Uul Province, Mongolia. We conducted a multiple logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with their consumption of salt exceeding the recommended daily salt intake (≥ 5 g/day). A self-administered questionnaire and 24-h urine samples were used to obtain data on the participants’ salt intake. Of 338 participants, 159 completed the 24-h urine collection. The mean sodium excretion into urine was 122.3 mmol/day, which was equivalent to a mean salt intake of 7.7 g/day when the urinary excretion rate was considered as 93%. Body mass index was positively correlated with excess salt intake (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–1.46), while age was negatively correlated with excess salt intake (AOR: 0.95; 95% CI 0.91–1.00). Participants who consumed ≥ 2 cups of salted suutei tsai (Mongolian milk tea) daily had a higher risk of consuming ≥ 5 g/day of salt than those who consumed ≤ 1 cup/day. The average estimated salt intake of the participants was higher than the recommended value. Medical professionals should be aware of factors associated with excessive salt consumption and make appropriate adjustments to minimize it.

Background and Objectives: More than 20% of pregnant Japanese women regularly skip breakfast, thereby resulting in a low intake of several nutrients that are required for fetal development and prevention of pregnancy complications. However, whether skipping breakfast affects circulating levels of these nutrients remains unclear. We investigated whether skipping breakfast during pregnancy was associated with decreases in dietary intake and circulating and urinary levels of several nutrients, including fatty acids and vitamins. Methods and Study Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a university hospital in Tokyo, Japan, between June and October 2010. Nutrient intakes were assessed using a validated diet history questionnaire. Blood and 24-hour urinary samples were collected for assessing circulating and urinary excretion levels of nutrients. Skipping breakfast was defined as forgoing breakfast including a staple food, such as rice or bread, two or more times per week. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to compare nutrient levels between breakfast skippers and non-skippers after adjusting for confounders. Results: Of 97 healthy pregnant women in the second trimester, 37 (38.1%) skipped breakfast two or more times per week. In multiple linear regression analysis, breakfast skippers had significant lower energy-adjusted intakes of protein than non-skippers (p=0.019). In addition, breakfast skippers had significantly lower levels of plasma eicosapentaenoic acid (p=0.008), plasma docosahexaenoic acid (p=0.027), serum beta- carotene (p=0.013), urinary urea nitrogen (p=0.027), and urinary potassium (p=0.006), compared to non-skippers. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals need to suggest effective strategies for encouraging breakfast skippers to have breakfast regularly and to increase the intake of these nutrients.

Infantile skin problems not only cause temporary pain and discomfort, but also have a long-term impact on health. Hence, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to clarify the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and Malassezia fungal facial skin problems in infants. Ninety-six 1-month-old infants were examined. Facial skin problems and the presence of inflammatory cytokines in the forehead skin were assessed using the infant facial skin visual assessment tool (IFSAT) and the skin blotting method, respectively. Malassezia, a fungal commensal, was detected using forehead skin swabs, and its percentage in the total fungal population was analyzed. Infants with positive interleukin-8 signals were more likely to have severe facial skin problems ( p  = 0.006) and forehead papules ( p  = 0.043). No significant association between IFSAT scores and Malassezia was found, but infants with forehead dryness had a lower percentage of M. arunalokei in the total fungal population ( p  = 0.006). No significant association was observed between inflammatory cytokines and Malassezia in the study participants. Longitudinal studies on the development of facial skin problems in infants are warranted to investigate the involvement of interleukin-8 and devise preventive strategies in the future.

Investigating the association between gestational weight gain (GWG) on low birth weight (LBW, birth weight < 2500 g) across pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) categories (underweight: < 18.5, normal: 18.5–24.9 and overweight/obese: ≥ 25 kg/m²) is crucial for clinical practice. While the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) 2009 GWG guidelines are widely used, evidence‐based data from diverse populations is scarce, creating a global research gap. We explored how total GWG and adherence to IOM recommendations affected the odds of LBW across BMI categories in the Sri Lankan context. This nationwide prospective study evaluated 1499 maternal and singleton‐newborn pairs between August 2022 and April 2024. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed. An increase in total GWG z‐score was associated with decreased odds of LBW among women with underweight pre‐pregnancy BMI (aOR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35‒0.89), but no significant association was observed among women with normal or ≥ 25 kg/m² BMI. Women with underweight BMI whose GWG was below the IOM recommended range showed higher odds of LBW than those with GWG within the recommended range (aOR 3.05, 95% CI: 1.08‒8.61). However, among women with normal or higher BMI, GWG below the recommended range was not significantly associated with LBW. These findings suggest that the association between GWG and odds of LBW varies across pre‐pregnancy BMI categories. Among Sri Lankan women with underweight pre‐pregnancy BMI, gaining pregnancy weight within the IOM GWG recommendations was associated with significantly lower odds of delivering an LBW newborn. This association was not observed among women with normal or higher BMI. Gestational weight gain below the Institute of Medicine's recommended range was most prevalent among Sri Lankan women with underweight pre‐pregnancy body mass index and was associated with higher odds of low birth weight deliveries. Summary The impact of the Institute of Medicine's gestational weight gain recommendations on adverse birth outcomes in Asian populations is unclear and lacks evidence‐based findings. Pre‐pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain impact newborns' birth weight. Gaining pregnancy weight within the IOM‐recommended range was associated with reduced odds of LBW among Sri Lankan women with underweight pre‐pregnancy BMI, whereas no such association was observed among women in other BMI categories.