180523 He just doesn't understand: The effects of partner support on the physical and mental health of women six months after childbirth

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Rennie F. Elliott, MPH Candidate , Department of Maternal and Child Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
Eugene Declercq, PhD , Department of Maternal and Child Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
Objective: To examine whether partner support after childbirth is related to postpartum mental and physical health

Background: The definition of family has changed significantly from the 1950's ideal of a stay at home mother as more mothers enter the labor force. However, the support needs of new mothers have not changed and the support of their partner is important in maintaining physical and mental health.

Methods: This paper utilizes nationally representative data from the “Listening to Mothers II” and the follow up survey “New Mothers Speak Out: First National Survey of U.S. Women's Postpartum Experiences.” The survey included 903 mothers age 18-45 that gave birth in 2005 to single infants. The primary question examined mothers' perceptions of support in daily child care. The outcome measures examined were the ability to manage stress and the ability to maintain eating a healthy diet.

Results: 73% of women report that they provide more care for their infant than their partner. These results varied significantly by age, race/ethnicity, education and work status. When child care support was compared examined with the outcome measures, there were minor but statistically significant differences. Women who share care of their child equally with their partner were more likely to manage stress, and women who provide more care were more likely to maintain eating a healthy diet.

Conclusion: Spousal support is statistically significantly related to postpartum women's physical and mental health.

Learning Objectives:
Describe the relationship between spousal support and postpartum mental and physical health Identity the effects of the inequality of child care responsibilities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a maternal and child health student and recipient of a Boston University School of Public Health fellowship to assist with research on the Listening to Mothers II Postpartum study.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Innovative Topics in Maternal Child Health
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