Journal List > Korean J Women Health Nurs > v.20(3) > 1089478

Joo, Kim, Nam, Lee, and Park: Comparison of Health-related Behaviors in Pregnant Women and Breast-feeding Mothers vs Non-pregnant Women

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess health-related behavior of pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers by investigating relevant risk factors.

Methods

Data of 10,396 women (age 19 to 49 years) from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey report from 2007 to 2012 was used to analyze factors associated with health-related behavior. The subjects were divided into pregnant women; breastfeeding mothers; and non-pregnant women. Bottle feeding mothers were excluded.

Results

Current smoking rate including self-reported smoker and/or positive cotinine urine test were lower for pregnant or breast-feeding group than non-pregnant group. Heavy-drinking was not different among groups while monthly drinking rate was higher in non-pregnant group. Rate of stress recognition was lower in pregnant and breast-feeding group than non-pregnant group. Rate of experience for depressive symptoms and rate of suicidal ideation were not different among groups.

Conclusion

Pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers maintain a good pattern of health-related behavior compared to non-pregnant women. However, substantial proportion of pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers continue to drink and smoke. This shows the need for a plan that will modify health-related behavior.

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
A comparison of the 3 groups by spider chart (Reference: Non-pregnant women).
*Revised current smoker is included in self-reported smoker and/or positive cotinine urine test
EQ-VAS=EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale
kjwhn-20-185-g001
Table 1
Demographic Characteristic of Participants (N=10,396)
kjwhn-20-185-i001

Unweighted number of participants; Weighted percentage.

Table 2
Smoking Prevalence Using by Urine-Cotinine Concentration (N=3,930)
kjwhn-20-185-i002

UCC=urine-cotinine concentration.

Unweighted number of participants; Weighted percentage.

Table 3
Health-Related Behavior of Participants
kjwhn-20-185-i003

NP=number of pregnant; NB=number of breastfeeding; NN=number of non-pregnant.

Unweighted number of respondants; Weighted percentage; §Comparison of the three (Pregnant, Breastfeeding, Non-pregnant) group: B vs C vs D; Comparison of the two (Pregnant and Breastfeeding were integrated) group: A vs D; Heavy drinking: Drinking at least twice a week and five or more drinks per 1 time (In annual drinker); #Number of respondents, mean and standard error.

Summary Statement

▪ What is already known about this topic?
Previously published studies examined special character groups. There is a lack of studies about health-related behavior of pregnant and breast-feeding women by national level data.
▪ What this paper adds?
This study is the first in South Korea to confirm health-related behavior of pregnant women; breast-feeding mothers; and non-pregnant women using national level data (KNHANEs). Pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers maintain a good pattern of health-related behavior in comparison to non-pregnant women. However, substantial proportion of pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers continue drinking and smoking.
▪ Implications for practice, education and/or policy
It identifies the level of health-related behavior among pregnant and breast-feeding mothers, along with providing basic data for establishing maternal and child health care policies.

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