Pregnant women's awareness of sensitivity to cold (hiesho) and body temperature observational study: A comparison of Japanese and Brazilian women
2011

Pregnant Women's Awareness of Sensitivity to Cold: A Study of Japanese and Brazilian Women

Sample size: 430 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nakamura Sachiyo, Ichisato Sueli MT, Horiuchi Shigeko, Mori Taeko, Momoi Masako

Primary Institution: Keio University

Hypothesis

The study aims to clarify the differences in awareness of sensitivity to cold (hiesho) and body temperature between pregnant Japanese women living in Japan and pregnant Brazilian women living in Brazil.

Conclusion

Japanese women are significantly more aware of hiesho than Brazilian women, and there are notable differences in their body temperatures.

Supporting Evidence

  • 67.0% of Japanese women were aware of hiesho compared to 57.0% of Brazilian women.
  • The difference in forehead and sole temperatures was 2.0°C among Japanese and 2.8°C among Brazilians in June-July.
  • In November, the temperature difference was 5.2°C among Japanese and 2.8°C among Brazilians.

Takeaway

This study found that more Japanese pregnant women know about feeling cold than Brazilian pregnant women, and their body temperatures are different too.

Methodology

The study involved measuring deep body temperatures and administering questionnaires to 230 Japanese and 200 Brazilian pregnant women.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported awareness of hiesho.

Limitations

The study may not account for all cultural differences affecting awareness of hiesho.

Participant Demographics

230 Japanese women and 200 Brazilian women, with average ages of 31.8 and 26.2 years respectively.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.034

Confidence Interval

95% CI, 0.27 to 1.49

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1756-0500-4-278

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