BACKGROUND: Many mothers with infants work full-time, yet little is known about communication between women and health care providers regarding returning to work (RTW). METHODS: Survey data were obtained from a community-based sample of mothers returning to full-time employment within 4 months postpartum. Bivariate analyses (chi(2) and independent sample t tests) and multivariate logistic regressions were specified. RESULTS: Eighty-three percent of mothers believed prenatal providers should discuss RTW, yet only 60% had such a discussion; 58% discussed RTW with their infants' provider. Black women (odds ratio, 2.6) and women in poverty (odds ratio, 3.6) more often reported having an RTW discussion with a prenatal provider whereas mothers with college degrees or higher (odds ratio, 2.7) more often had RTW discussions with their infant's provider. RTW discussions occurred < or =3 times and were felt to be only somewhat useful. RTW discussions infrequently centered on maternal health (19.5%) or infant health or development (35.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Women want providers to initiate RTW discussions. Providers should be aware that race, poverty status, and level of maternal education impact a mother's odds of having an RTW discussion. Additional research is required to further delineate the content of RTW discussions and to determine the clinical value of RTW discussions.
BACKGROUND: Many mothers with infants work full-time, yet little is known about communication between women and health care providers regarding returning to work (RTW). METHODS: Survey data were obtained from a community-based sample of mothers returning to full-time employment within 4 months postpartum. Bivariate analyses (chi(2) and independent sample t tests) and multivariate logistic regressions were specified. RESULTS: Eighty-three percent of mothers believed prenatal providers should discuss RTW, yet only 60% had such a discussion; 58% discussed RTW with their infants' provider. Black women (odds ratio, 2.6) and women in poverty (odds ratio, 3.6) more often reported having an RTW discussion with a prenatal provider whereas mothers with college degrees or higher (odds ratio, 2.7) more often had RTW discussions with their infant's provider. RTW discussions occurred < or =3 times and were felt to be only somewhat useful. RTW discussions infrequently centered on maternal health (19.5%) or infant health or development (35.5%). CONCLUSIONS:Women want providers to initiate RTW discussions. Providers should be aware that race, poverty status, and level of maternal education impact a mother's odds of having an RTW discussion. Additional research is required to further delineate the content of RTW discussions and to determine the clinical value of RTW discussions.
Authors: Janel M Darcy; Joseph G Grzywacz; Rebecca L Stephens; Iris Leng; C Randall Clinch; Thomas A Arcury Journal: J Am Board Fam Med Date: 2011 May-Jun Impact factor: 2.657
Authors: Kimi Uegaki; Suzanne G M Stomp-van den Berg; Martine C de Bruijne; Mireille N M van Poppel; Martijn W Heymans; Willem van Mechelen; Maurits W van Tulder Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2011-01-27 Impact factor: 3.295