PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of education and practice of the maternal role and becoming a mother using the concepts of self-confidence in caring, maternal attachment, and maternal identity. METHODS: A non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design was used. Data was collected with the use of self-administered questionnaires from November 2007 to April, 2008. A total of 54 women at a Sanhujoriwon (postpartum care center) participated in the study. The experimental group consisted of 26 women (Nov-Dec), whereas the control group had 28 women (Feb-Apr). Education and practice on the maternal role was given individually and consisted of explanations, demonstrations and practice on breast feeding (day1 to 3), maternal attachment (day 8 to 9), bathing (day 10 to 11) and infant healthcare (day 13 to 14). The experimental group received education and practice on the maternal role while the control group received routine education only. RESULTS: Data collection was done using pre and post questionnaires at admission and fourteen days later. The experimental group showed significant increases in self-confidence in caring (t=-3.31, p=.002) and maternal identity (t=-2.16, p=.036) compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Education and practice on the maternal role and being a mother was an effective intervention in increasing self-confidence in caring and maternal identity.
Baths ; Breast Feeding ; Data Collection ; Delivery of Health Care ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Mothers ; Postpartum Period ; Surveys and Questionnaires

No abstract available.
Child* ; Humans ; Humerus*

BACKGROUND: Varicose veins are the most common venous condition of the lower extremities. Treatment for varicose veins varies from surgery to minimally invasive techniques such as radiofrequency endovenous occlusion (RFEO), ambulatory phlebectomy (AP), sclerotherapy and endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). However, there is no method to assess the quality of life (QOL) of patients with varicose veins and the effect of treatment on the QOL. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the QOL of patients with varicose veins and to evaluate the effect of treatment on the QOL. METHOD: A total of 72 patients with varicose veins were interviewed with the Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire (AVVQ), was asked 25 questions relating to the symptoms and concerns of their condition. Follow-up was done with questionnaires again, 8 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: The results obtained are summarized as follows: 1. Of the 32 patients the distribution of age was 40-49 years of age (37.5%), followed by 50-59 years of age (27.8%) and 30-39 years of age (19.4%). The mean age was 47.7 years old. 2. 30 patients (41.8%) had suffered with varicose veins for less than 5 years, and 24 patients (33.3%) for 6-10 years. 3. According to the CEAP classification, the most common type of varicose vein was the C1AEPAS (31.9%). 4. Treatment method of varicose veins were sclerotherapy in 60 patients (83.3%), AP in 10 patients (13.9%), and RFEO in 2 patients (2.8%). 5. AVVQ scores correlated with symptoms and concern scores, and also with the clinical grade. 6. After treatment, AVVQ scores demonstrated a highly significant increase. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that varicose veins have a significant impact on the overall QOL, and that QOL shows a significant improvement after treatment. Therefore, assessment of QOL in patients with varicose veins can be a valid measure for the evaluation of treatment effect.
Classification ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Quality of Life* ; Sclerotherapy ; Varicose Veins* ; Surveys and Questionnaires