Self-reported health problems related to traditional dietary practices in postpartum women from urban, suburban and rural areas of Hubei province, China: the 'zuò yuèzi'.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of maternal health problems in the postpartum period and their association with traditional Chinese postpartum diets and behaviours in three selected regions in Hubei province, China.

METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban, suburban and rural areas. A total of 2100 women who had given birth to full-term single infants in the past two years were enrolled. Their postpartum diet, personal behaviours, and health problems were surveyed by trained interviewers.

RESULTS

During the puerperium women consumed plentiful eggs, fish, poultry and meats; however, fruit, vegetable and milk consumption were limited. A high prevalence of health problems potentially related to pregnancy and the puerperium were found. At least one such problem was reported by 59.3% of women. The putative postpartum problems were backaches (29.6%), arthralgia or leg clonus (12.7%), breast problems (19.6%), constipation (18.7%), haemorrhoids (11.7%), dizziness or headaches (14.8%), anaemia (10.0%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that leafy vegetable intake and frequent recipe change in the puerperium were positively associated with less anal diseases. Bathing or hair washing did not increase the risk of maternal infection as belief would have suggested. However, bathing was a risk factor for backache or arthralgia, and tooth brushing was a risk factor for bleeding gums. Excessive housework was a risk factor for anal diseases and disordered uterine involution.

CONCLUSION

Postpartum maternal health problems were prevalent in Hubei province. These were in part associated with postpartum traditional Chinese diets and behaviours.