Background: This study aimed to identify the predictors of LGBT recognition by health sciences university students in Japan. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that used quantitative data collected from 481 returned self-report questionnaires distributed to 866 health sciences undergraduate and graduate students. The following survey item and scales were used for measuring the main outcomes: Thoughts about sexual identity, Empathy scale, Objectivity scale, and LGBT recognition scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple regression analyses. SPSS ver. 23.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA) was used for data analysis at a 5% significance level. Results: The number of returned questionnaires was 481 (55.5%). There was no significant difference in the LGBT recognition and the participant's characteristics (e.g., age and medical history). The 5 significant predictors of LGBT recognition were: 1) Empathy (β = 0.19, p < 0.001); 2) LGBT learning experience (β = 0.18, p < 0.001); 3) Objectivity (β = 0.15, p < 0.01); 4) Sexual problem with a close person (β = 0.13, p < 0.01); and 5) Suffering from gender identity (β = 0.09, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The predictive factors of LGBT recognition were Empathy, LGBT learning experience, Objectivity, Sexual problem with a close person, and Suffering from gender identity. Careful development and implementation of LGBT educational programs are needed to better understand the situations and ideas of LGBT parties to enhance their recognition.

Background: Most postpartum mothers experience fatigue. However, it was unclear which day after birth during hospitalization mothers are the most fatigued, and if the mothers' background is a factor. The aim of this study was to investigate hospitalized mothers' characteristic features, fatigue, and relaxation, and then to find the correlated factors of fatigue in order to obtain suggestions for mothers' early postpartum care. Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional descriptive correlational study occurred during May to December 2016. A purposive sample of early postpartum hospitalized mothers at a postpartum unit in a Tokyo hospital completed an anonymous self-filled questionnaire survey. The survey included respondents' characteristics, fatigue scale, and relaxation scale. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, multiple regression analyses, and structural equation modeling. Results: Returned questionnaires were 251 (83.4%). Fatigue was significantly higher for mothers with longer postpartum days compared to shorter postpartum days (F = 5.7, p < 0.001). Fatigue was significantly higher in mothers with a previous disease compared to no previous disease (t = 2.2, p < 0.05). The three significant predictors of Fatigue were 1) relaxation (β = −0.30, p < 0.001), 2) postpartum days (β = 0.26, p < 0.001), and 3) previous disease (β = 0.14, p < 0.05). The structural equation modeling revealed that the same factors were related to Fatigue. Conclusions: No relaxation, longer postpartum days, and previous disease were associated with Fatigue for early postpartum mothers. These results suggest that focusing on previous disease, length of postpartum days, and mother's relaxation is needed to provide full support to early postpartum mothers.

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Background: The aims of this pilot study were to implement and evaluate a postpartum care program for mothers raising children younger than one year to provide physical relaxation, and to reduce mothers' parenting problems. Methods: A day-service and group-type postpartum care program was implemented with the aim of interacting with peers, promoting local communication, and relaxing mothers. Results: Forty-five pairs of mothers and infants participated in the study. Most of the mothers experienced relaxation, communicated with each other, resolved physical problems, reduced childcare concerns, and developed parenting friends. Conclusions: In addition, feasibility was assured as they were very satisfied with the content of programs such as baby massage and aroma treatment.