2024 Volume 33 Pages 185-192
This study aimed to clarify differences in feelings of difficulty regarding child-rearing in late childhood experienced by mothers of children who remained of short stature after being born small-for-gestational age (SGA) and by mothers of healthy children. An anonymous, self-administered survey was conducted with mothers of SGA children of short stature who regularly visited pediatric care facilities for growth hormone treatment and with mothers of healthy children, using a questionnaire examining child rearing support, prepared by the Japan Child and Family Research Institute (for three-to six year-olds). Analysis of respondents showed no significant differences in total scores of feelings of difficulty experienced in child rearing between mothers of SGA children of short stature and mothers of healthy children. However, the sub-item analysis revealed that mothers of SGA children had significantly higher scores in “worrying about many things regarding child-rearing” (p＝.01). Among mothers of SGA children, this item was negatively associated with gestational weeks at birth (r＝－.40、p＝.04), as was “feeling unfit as a mother” negatively associated with height at birth (r＝－.45、p＝.01). Mothers of SGA children appeared to experience psychologic feelings of difficulty regarding child rearing. Further analysis of associated factors and examination of support measures to reduce difficulties are necessary.
