title: Use of Sheng-Hua-Tang and health-related quality of life in postpartum women: a population-based cohort study in Taiwan.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although Sheng-Hua-Tang (comprising Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Ligustici Rhizoma, Semen Persicae, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix) use during the postpartum has been popular in Chinese communities over a long period, its benefits have not been evaluated in terms of its effects on the health-related quality of life of postpartum women.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to explore the relation between different patterns of Sheng-Hua-Tang use and the health-related quality of life in postpartum women.
  
  
  METHODS
  A longitudinal birth cohort follow-up study.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used multistage stratified systematic sampling to recruit 24,200 pairs, postpartum women and newborns, from the Taiwan national birth register in 2005. A structured questionnaire was successfully administered to 87.8% of the sampled population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects underwent a home interview 6 months after their deliveries between June 2005 and July 2006. The Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form (SF-36) was used to measure the quality of life of the women with different patterns of Sheng-Hua-Tang use.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with those who never used after delivery, the scores of role limitations due to physical health and emotional problems significantly increased in women who used Sheng-Hua-Tang within 1 month only but decreased in those who continuously used within 1 month and later. In addition, the scores of role limitations due to physical health and emotional problems significantly increased in women who used Sheng-Hua-Tang regardless of the frequency.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sheng-Hua-Tang use during the first month of the postpartum period may have a positive effect on women's health-related quality of life especially in terms of role limitations due to physical health and emotional problems. However, continuous use after the first month of the postpartum period might have a negative effect on women's quality of life. Further studies are needed to replicate the results and elucidate the causal relations.
authors: Department of Nursing, National Taipei College of Nursing, Taiwan.
authors: Pei-Jen
authors: PJ
authors: Chang
authors: Yu-Ching
authors: YC
authors: Tseng
authors: Chao-Hua
authors: CH
authors: Chuang
authors: Yi Chun
authors: YC
authors: Chen
authors: Wu-Shiun
authors: WS
authors: Hsieh
authors: Baai-Shyun
authors: BS
authors: Hurng
authors: Shio-Jean
authors: SJ
authors: Lin
authors: Pau-Chung
authors: PC
authors: Chen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011788:Quality of Life
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; C547596:Sheng-Hua-Tang