Factors associated with health-related quality of life and physical health of women raising infants and toddlers in Japan.

Background: Policies to support postpartum and child-rearing periods for women have been strengthened in Japan in recent years to combat the declining birth rate. However, the type of support required to improve the quality of life and health of these women remains unclear because of the insufficient research on new policies.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the self-reported health status of Japanese women raising infants and toddlers aged 3 months to 3 years and determine the factors associated with health-related quality of life and physical health.

Designs: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires between March and November 2021.

Methods: Two hundred and fifty-nine Japanese mothers (164 or 68.8% being first-time mothers) participated in a survey using self-administered questionnaires that included the Somatic Symptom Scale-8, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II.

Results: The physical component summary scores of the participants were 49.2, 51.5, and 47.9 for those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, respectively, all of which were below Japanese population norms in each age group. Employment (β = -1.57, p = 0.01), stress-coping skills (β = -0.50, p < 0.01), and optimistic thinking (β = -1.18, p < 0.01) were associated with fewer physical symptoms. Not being a first-time mother (β = 2.85, p = 0.01) and use of maternity-home services (β = 6.59, p = 0.02) were positively associated with the physical health. Moreover, the use of consultations or parenting classes provided by the local government (β = 3.36, p = 0.02), coping with stress (β = 0.81, p < 0.01), and optimistic thinking (β = 3.46, p < 0.01) were positively associated with the mental component summary score. Age of the youngest child (⩾1 year; β = 3.30, p = 0.03) and optimistic thinking (β = 1.60, p < 0.01) were positively associated with the role/social component summary.

Conclusions: The physical quality of life of Japanese mothers raising children has declined to a level that cannot be improved through general self-care practices. Therefore, improving the content of health education is necessary, with a particular focus on the physical health of women raising children. The policy of child-rearing support, which is strengthening in Japan, such as childcare consultation, has a positive impact on the mental health of women during child-rearing.