Perceived Stress and Social Support in Pregnant Women during the Covid-۱۹ Pandemic

Background and Objectives: Pregnant women experience physical and psychological changes during the gestation period. These changes cause psychopathological disorders such as stress and anxiety in mothers. Paying attention to the psychological health of pregnant women is a major global concern, especially during the COVID-۱۹ pandemic. This study aimed to assess to perceived stress, social support, and related factors in pregnant women during the COVID-۱۹ Pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on ۲۴۰ pregnant women who were referred to the health centers in Zanjan, Iran, between January ۲۰۲۱ to April ۲۰۲۱. A cluster sampling method was used to recruit the participants. A demographic and midwifery information questionnaire, the ۱۴‑item Cohen’s Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and Winfield and Tiggemann’s Social Support Questionnaire were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using the Chi‑square test and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The mean age of mothers was ۲۷.۱۲ ± ۷.۰۱ years. The mean scores for social support and perceived stress were ۱۷.۹۵ ± ۵.۵۲ and ۲۶.۷۱ ± ۸.۸۴, respectively. No significant association was found between social support and the independent variables. However, perceived stress was significantly associated with social support, such that perceived stress decreased as social support increased. Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between social support and perceived stress. Midwives and gynecologists should implement strategies to reduce stress and reinforce social support during pregnancy.

کلیدواژه ها:

COVID‑۱۹ ، Pregnancy ، Social support ، Stress