Table 1.
Characteristics of survey participants employed by the Area Health Service (n = 496)
| Population characteristic | N | % |
|---|---|---|
| Maternal indigenous status Ω | ||
| Aboriginal | 2 | 1 |
| Non-Aboriginal | 304 | 99 |
| Maternal Background Ω | ||
| English speaking | 323 | 66 |
| Non-English speaking | 168 | 34 |
| Relationship status Ω | ||
| Married/De-facto | 480 | 97 |
| Divorced/Separated | 7 | 1 |
| Never married | 8 | 2 |
| Maternal Education Ω | ||
| University* | 414 | 84 |
| TAFE# | 63 | 13 |
| Less than tertiary¥ | 15 | 3 |
| Other | 3 | 1 |
| Current maternal employment status | ||
| Full time employment¤ | 92 | 19 |
| Part time employment | 161 | 33 |
| Maternity leave | 220 | 44 |
| Other€ | 23 | 5 |
| Occupation | ||
| Nurse/midwife | 242 | 49 |
| Clinical/Allied Health | 190 | 39 |
| Administration/Management | 61 | 12 |
| Approximate household income (before tax); last 12 months (in Australian dollars) Ω | ||
| Less than A$39999 | 48 | 10 |
| A$40000-A$79999 | 157 | 33 |
| A$80000 or more | 278 | 58 |
| Age of infant when returned to work Ω | ||
| Less than 6 months old | 41 | 11 |
| 6 months to less than 12 months old | 192 | 54 |
| 12 months old or more | 123 | 35 |
* Including other tertiary institute degree or higher.
# Technical or trade certificate or diploma, ¥ School certificate or higher school certificate.
Ω Not all women answered the question, therefore total is less than 496
¤Includes full time, part time and casual. € Includes un-employed, home duties and any others.