Evaluation of program to improve mental and physical health

Abstract

Purpose This study evaluated women's mental and physical health during the postpartum period and after they had par-ticipated in a program designed to improve women's health. Methods The subjects were 135 mothers two-six months after delivery who participated in a post-partum program. The two-hour weekly program, included: aerobic exercise, communication skills, and self-care, and lasted four consecu-tive weeks. The measurement tools included the Edinb-urg Postnatal Depression scale (EPDS), subjective well-being scale, andauthor created question such as participants' motives, degree of satis-faction, and poor physical condition. The survey was conducted three times: 1st and 4th week of the program, and one month after program-completion. Repeated ANOVA was performed for the three survey poin-ts. Results There were 112 (83.0%) women continuing to program completion, followed 90 (80.4%) women one month after program completion. Participation motives were high for physical needs, and low for needs related to mental or social aspects. Needs related to mental and social aspects were satisfied by participation in the program. There was statistical significance (p