The Relationship Between Psychological Factors And Social Support With Pregnant Women's Health-Promoting Behaviors

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a time of profound physical and emotional change as well as an increased risk of mental illness. While strengthening social support is a common recommendation to reduce such mental health risk. One of the most significant aspects in pregnancy, and health-promoting behaviors are one of the main determinants of health under the influence of various factors. The study aims: To determine the relationship between psychological factors and social support with pregnant women's health-promoting behaviors. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed on 375 pregnant women when they had 24-28 weeks in Jeddah, KSA, from January to May 2022. Two‑stage cluster sampling was performed after checking the inclusion criteria. Data collection tools consisted of four questionnaires that were completed in self-report form. The collected data were analyzed by the descriptive and inferential tests with the SPSS software version 28. Res[1]ults: The mean score of health-promoting behaviors was 139.87 (21.26) and self-healing and physical activity had the highest and the lowest mean 27.67 (4.84) and 16.29 (4.84), respectively. Linear regression analysis showed a significant difference between different level of stress, anxiety, depression, and social support with health-promoting behaviors (P < 0.001). The results showed that one-point increase in the score of stress, anxiety, and depression led to the 2.2%, 6.1%, and 24.1% reduction of health-promoting behaviors, respectively, and one-point score increase in social support resulted in 40% increase in health-promoting behaviors (P < 0.001). Conclusion: A negative association was found between psychological factors and a positive relationship with health-promoting behaviors. Although perceived moderate health promotion behaviors and perceived social support were moderate, they did not have a good status in terms of psychological factors. Given awareness of the issues under study in each region is crucial and planning to improve stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as promoting and correcting inappropriate behaviors through planned interventions are required.