Examining factors in the incompletion of the relevant personal data field in the maternal and child health handbook

Abstract

Objective

In 2012, the Mother and Child Health Handbook was revised, which resulted in the expansion of the Relevant Personal Data field. This study aims to identify the context and reasons why pregnant women left this field blank during pregnancy, and explore the factors that contributed to its incompleteness.

Subjects and Methods

This study interviewed three mothers who visited Maternity Clinic A, which is not involved in childbirth services, and who left at least half of the sections in the Relevant Personal Data field of the Mother and Child Health Handbook incomplete within three to four months postpartum. The study was explained to the participants using a research request document, and written consent was obtained. In compliance with ethical principles, the participants were invited to talk about the factors that contributed to the incomplete Relevant Personal Data field using an interview guide. Each participant interview lasted approximately 30 minutes, was recorded using an IC recorder, and was analyzed qualitatively and descriptively. Furthermore, this study was conducted in accordance with approval obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of Fukuoka Prefectural University, in line with ethical considerations.

Results

The analysis revealed that the following factors contributed to the incompleteness of the Relevant Personal Data field: insufficient intervention from maternal and child health practitioners, mothers’ lack of understanding of the content of the handbook, busyness due to work, uneventful pregnancy progress, selective recording of information for transmission, and utilization of tools other than the handbook.

Conclusion

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mothers to investigate the factors that contributed to the incomplete Relevant Personal Data field of the Mother and Child Health Handbook. The analysis revealed six factors that led to incompleteness. These findings underscore the importance of intervention by healthcare professionals when the handbook is issued and during prenatal check-ups, and consideration of the confidentiality of personal information when referring to the Relevant Personal Data field. If this field is utilized more, the information recorded can be used for the early detection of and intervention for high-risk pregnant women. Nevertheless, even if the information is recorded in the field, it may still be insufficient, thereby highlighting the need to create an environment in which pregnant women can readily consult with midwives. Furthermore, in Japan, there is a demand for a handbook that can cater to diverse needs. This suggests the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration among midwives, public health nurses, and other healthcare professionals to assess the content of and approach to the handbook.