Marloes Bakker1, Allard J van der Beek2, Ingrid J M Hendriksen3, David J Bruinvels4, Mireille N M van Poppel5. 1. Department of Public and Occupational Health and EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 2. Department of Public and Occupational Health and EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Body@Work, Research Centre Physical Activity, Work and Health, TNO-VUmc, VU University Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 3. Body@Work, Research Centre Physical Activity, Work and Health, TNO-VUmc, VU University Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; TNO Expertise Centre Life Style, Wassenaarseweg 56, 2333 AL Leiden, The Netherlands. 4. The Netherlands Society of Occupational Medicine (NVAB), P.O. Box 2113, 3500 GC Utrecht, The Netherlands. 5. Department of Public and Occupational Health and EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Body@Work, Research Centre Physical Activity, Work and Health, TNO-VUmc, VU University Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: mnm.vanpoppel@vumc.nl.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate which prepartum determinants contribute to the development of postpartum (PP) fatigue among working women in the Netherlands. METHODS: A prospective cohort study in 15 Dutch companies was conducted to measure different potential predictors using self-administrated questionnaires at baseline and at 30 weeks of pregnancy. Fatigue was measured at 12 (N=523) and 52 weeks (N=436) PP using the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS). A CIS score>76 was defined as fatigue. RESULTS: The prevalence of fatigue at 12 and 52 weeks PP was 24.5% and 18.1%, respectively. Fourteen predictive factors were found for fatigue (R(2)=0.37) at 12 weeks PP. Ten predictive factors were found for fatigue at 52 weeks PP (R(2)=0.36). In general, less favourable work relationships and characteristics, poorer mental health, more passive coping styles, more sleeping problems, more fatigue during pregnancy, and beliefs about child care arrangements were related to PP fatigue. At 30 weeks of pregnancy, only more fatigue (OR=3.69, p<0.001; OR=2.68, p=0.02) and poorer mental health (OR=0.50, p=0.02; OR=0.90, p=0.78) predicted fatigue both at 12 and 52 weeks PP. CONCLUSIONS: A large number of predictive factors for PP fatigue were found. These findings indicate that different aspects can contribute to being fatigued after pregnancy. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of possible interventions by employers and/or occupational physicians.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate which prepartum determinants contribute to the development of postpartum (PP) fatigue among working women in the Netherlands. METHODS: A prospective cohort study in 15 Dutch companies was conducted to measure different potential predictors using self-administrated questionnaires at baseline and at 30 weeks of pregnancy. Fatigue was measured at 12 (N=523) and 52 weeks (N=436) PP using the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS). A CIS score>76 was defined as fatigue. RESULTS: The prevalence of fatigue at 12 and 52 weeks PP was 24.5% and 18.1%, respectively. Fourteen predictive factors were found for fatigue (R(2)=0.37) at 12 weeks PP. Ten predictive factors were found for fatigue at 52 weeks PP (R(2)=0.36). In general, less favourable work relationships and characteristics, poorer mental health, more passive coping styles, more sleeping problems, more fatigue during pregnancy, and beliefs about child care arrangements were related to PP fatigue. At 30 weeks of pregnancy, only more fatigue (OR=3.69, p<0.001; OR=2.68, p=0.02) and poorer mental health (OR=0.50, p=0.02; OR=0.90, p=0.78) predicted fatigue both at 12 and 52 weeks PP. CONCLUSIONS: A large number of predictive factors for PP fatigue were found. These findings indicate that different aspects can contribute to being fatigued after pregnancy. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of possible interventions by employers and/or occupational physicians.
Authors: Fay Wright; Gail D'Eramo Melkus; Marilyn Hammer; Brian L Schmidt; M Tish Knobf; Steven M Paul; Frances Cartwright; Judy Mastick; Bruce A Cooper; Lee-May Chen; Michelle Melisko; Jon D Levine; Kord Kober; Bradley E Aouizerat; Christine Miaskowski Journal: J Pain Symptom Manage Date: 2015-03-28 Impact factor: 3.612