Table 3. Japanese Women's Qualitative Assessments About Participation in the Prenatal Group Program
Comments
Social support (n = 20)
    It was good to get to know other women and share concerns19 (95)
    I enjoyed hearing various opinions17 (85)
    I appreciated hearing the experiences of other women17 (85)
    Had support from other participants after delivery8 (40)
    Enjoyed postpartum reunion6 (30)
    Couldn't get close to other women; couldn't become friends*1 (5)
Group facilitation
    It was easy to ask questions and talk11 (55)
    It was a calm and relaxing atmosphere10 (50)
    I could resolve questions, concerns, and anxiety10 (50)
    It was hard to ask questions (considering others, tension, time)9 (45)
    It was useful, or I learned a lot7 (35)
    I learned in a fun way7 (35)
    Introduction of the participants was too long*4 (20)
    Not sure of the benefit for non-first-time mothers*3 (15)
    Couldn't resolve concerns during sessions*1 (5)
  • Data are number (percentage) of participants who answered semistructured interview questions. Women who provided the same responses more than once during the interview were counted only once.

  • * Negative comments.