How happy are pregnant women?: A socio-demographic analysis

Abstract

ProblemThe current research paper aims to study the nature and prevalence of happiness among Indian pregnant women, based on relevant socio-demographic variables. MethodThe Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) was used as a measure of the degree of happiness. The sample consisted of 100 expectant women chosen randomly from nursing homes, dispensaries and child care clinics in Delhi NCR, India. All the participants belonged to the age range of 21–36 years, from middle income group. ResultsPregnancy emerged as a period that elicits increase in the emotional states of women, with average happiness of 74.01% among Indian women. More than a quarter of the population (26%) experienced extremely high levels of happiness and none (0%) felt extremely or fairly unhappy. Furthermore, seven variables namely: age of the mother, working status of mother, type of family, family size, order of pregnancy, trimester and past medical complications were studied for varying degrees of happiness. ConclusionMajority of Indian women were found to experience high happiness during pregnancy. Bearing children at a younger age, medical fitness without past complications, family support and lesser work duties were variables that contributed the most on positive emotive states among pregnant women. This study raises implications in the area of obstetrics, mental healthcare, training for future doctors, family and couple counseling, healthcare facilities and therapeutic modalities.