Serum zinc and copper levels in healthy South African women at term and during the first year after childbirth

Serum zinc and copper levels were measured longitudinally in 55 healthy middle and upper socio-economic group white mothers living in Cape Town from the birth of the baby to 12 months after parturition. Mean maternal serum zinc levels showed a significant rise (P less than 0.05) from delivery (66.34 +/- 21.07 micrograms/100 ml) to 12 weeks (87.88 +/- 15.93 micrograms/100 ml), but no further changes were detected at 24, 36 and 52 weeks after parturition. The mean maternal serum copper levels decreased from 217.73 +/- 64.34 micrograms/100 ml at delivery to 141.65 +/- 45.60 micrograms/100 ml at 12 weeks (P less than 0.05); they remained constant at all the other sampling periods. No differences (P greater than 0.05) were noted at all the different sampling periods between mean serum zinc levels of primiparous and multiparous mothers, but mean serum copper levels were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in the primiparas. The mean serum zinc and copper levels of healthy white South African mothers at delivery and 12 months after parturition correspond with those for Northern American mothers. Normal non-pregnant adult serum zinc and copper levels were attained within 12 weeks of delivery.     

Suicide in deaf populations: a literature review

Background  

Studies have found that deaf individuals have higher rates of psychiatric disorder than those who are hearing, while at the same time encountering difficulties in accessing mental health services. These factors might increase the risk of suicide. However, the burden of suicidal behaviour in deaf people is currently unknown.     

Use of the SADP for measurement of attitudes of Chinese dental students and dental surgery assistants toward disabled persons

The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes of Chinese dental students and dental surgery assistants toward disabled persons using the Scale to Determine Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons, the SADP. A group of 99 Hong Kong University psychology students, 50 male and 49 female, was used as the control and to determine the internal consistency and reliability of the Chinese version of the scale. A group of 4th year (n = 25) and a group of 3rd year (n = 46) dental students and a group of in-house dental surgery assistants (n = 86) at the Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong, were asked to complete a Chinese translation of the SADP. Results showed that there was no significant difference between attitude scores of 3rd and 4th year dental students (p = 0.06). There was a significant difference in attitude scores between dental students and the dental surgery assistants (p < O.OOl), with those of dental students being lower. In the control group, there was no significant difference between female control and dental surgery assistant scores (p = 0.289). There was a significant difference between dental students and male control scores (p < 10⁶). Not only did the dental students score lower than the dental surgery assistants, but they also scored significantly lower than a group of non-dental students of the same University.     

The relationship between maternal needs and priorities in a neonatal intensive care environment

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the nature and organization of maternal needs and priorities in a neonatal unit. BACKGROUND: The relationship between maternal needs and priorities appears to be an under studied area in neonatal nursing. METHODS: A quantitative survey was carried out based on 209 mothers with premature infants. Two self-assessment schedules were used: critical care maternal needs inventory (J. Leske, Heart and Lung 15, 27-42) and a ranking scale. The data were analysed with multivariate analysis. FINDINGS: Data analysis revealed clear priorities in maternal needs. In particular the need for accurate infant related information was a priority for 93% of the mothers. Good communication practices with professionals were also valued. The mothers displayed altruistic behaviour, and self-related needs took second place. It is proposed that maternal needs demonstrate a hierarchical organization. CONCLUSION: It is important for nurses to consider the individual needs of the mothers, simply because the satisfaction of these needs is essential for maternal well-being.