Call for Psychosocial Well-Being among Pregnant Women Associated with Medical Disorder in Beni-Suef Governorate

Research Abstract

Abstract: Background: Pregnancy has traditionally been considered a time of emotional well-being for women conferring protection against negative psychological symptoms. Although rigorous research demonstrated the potentially deleterious effects of pregnancy on affective states, we do not yet have a clear grasp on the medical disorder specific implications of these facts. Aim: Assess the prevalence of medical disorders and the negative mood symptoms among pregnant women in Beni-Suef. Method: An explorative design was selected for the current study. Interview questionnaire using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) with a convenience of 400 Beni-Suefian pregnant women with a primary diagnosis of medical disorder and undergoing either intervention or the usual care or follow-up, who were admitted to high-risk inpatient obstetric wards and/or attending to antenatal outpatient clinics for all governmental hospitals in Beni-Suef City. Results: The mean age of participants was 25±4.495 years. There was a statistically significant relationship between the DASS-21 and gestational age, parity, history of abortion, history of birth defects, educational level, & occupational status of the women (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: There is substantial evidence that medical disorders, age, education, occupation, shorter gestation, parity, and gravidity are risk factors for adverse psychological symptoms. Emotional distress symptoms were severe in women aged 30-40 years, the secondary education level. Depression and anxiety symptoms were more observable in housewives, urbanized, nuclear and not crowded families, compared with working, rural, extended and crowded ones. A statistically significant impact of pain related menstruation, surgical intervention and its type and symptoms of depression scale score. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that, there is a statistically significant association between cancer women and emotional distress symptoms.

Research Keywords

Pregnancy, Medical Disorder, Negative Psychological Symptoms, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21).