Child-rearing anxiety and its correlates among Japanese mothers screened at 18-month infant health checkups

Objective: To examine the level of child-rearing anxiety and to explore the variables correlated with child-rearing anxiety in a city in Japan. Design: Cross-sectional study. Sample: From July to September 2003, 371 mothers who visited community health centers in a city in Tokyo Metropolis for their child's 18-month health checkups. Measurements: Child-rearing anxiety was measured by the child-rearing anxiety scale. Questions in a self-reported questionnaire were on maternal variables, including maternal background information, child variables, and family system variables such as the presence of social support, and utilization of parenting support services. Also included within the questionnaire was the General Health Questionnaire-12. Results: Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis revealed that mothers with higher child-rearing anxiety had less childcare satisfaction, more depressive symptoms, more worries about the child, less support from the husband, and less social support. Conclusion: To identify mothers with high child-rearing anxiety in Japan, the infant health checkups should be utilized as an opportunity for screening, focusing on variables regarding mothers. Public health nurses can provide the necessary support after gaining an understanding of issues confronting mothers to prevent child-rearing anxiety and child abuse.