Influence of psychosocial problems on healthy lifestyle among pregnant women

Abstract

Background: Maternal mental health is a major public health concern around the world due to its dual impact on the Fetus /newborn and the mother. Objective(s): The aim of this study is to detect the influence of psychosocial problems on healthy lifestyle among pregnant women. Methodology: This study a descriptive study (quantitative design) was done to assess the objective of study among pregnant women in Baghdad city included 150 pregnant women who attended the hospital. The data was obtained using the designed questionnaire after the validity and reliability were estimated by (12) experts, as well as using the structured interview technique with the individuals who were individually interviewed. Results: The results indicated psychosocial problems including (depression and anxiety) can affected pregnant women in different ages, residency, education, occupation, especially depression increased according to husband’s occupation, previous stillbirth, while anxiety increased with increasing number of gravidae, number of parities. Both anxiety and depression increased with increasing number of lived children. psychosocial problems including (depression, anxiety, and social problem) increased with number of previous abortions. the parity between each gravida is important to reduce psychosocial problems during pregnancy. Conclusion: The study concluded that the psychosocial problems during pregnancy could impact the lifestyle and behaviour of mother.