Effect of Bullying on Reproductive Health and Psychological Well-being among Pregnant Women
Research Abstract
Background: Bullying is a form of violence that endangers the well-being of children, youth, and adults. It results from the interaction of multiple factors related to individual characteristics, relationships with peers and adults, and community expectations. Bullying is widely recognized as a serious problem in elementary and secondary schools, but it is also prevalent among adults, as evidenced by bullying on university and workplace campuses. It causes the victim mental anguish as well as physical pain. Aim: Assess the impacts of bullying on psychological well-being and reproductive health among pregnant women. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive design was used with a convenient sample of 66 pregnant women attending antenatal inpatient and outpatient units at Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt. Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales (PWB), the reproductive health scale, and the Illinois bullying scale were used for data collection. Result: About 42.0% were in 17–28 weeks of pregnancy; 54.5% of the wives in the study did not work, and 83.3% of the husbands were working. Highly statistically significant relationships between reproductive health and the wife's work, income, wife's educational level, husband's educational level, and residence were found (p<0.01). In addition, a statistical relationship was discovered between the Illinois Bully Scale fight subscale and the reproductive health scale (p<0.05). Conclusion: lower levels of bullying, a higher level of reproductive health, and higher psychological well-being among the studied pregnant women Women's reproductive health can be affected by personal characteristics. Reproductive health is negatively affected by bullying and poor psychological well- being. However, the relationship between reproductive health, bullying, and psychological well- being is not statistically significant. Recommendations: Design booklets, brochures, and posters, publish the results of the study, and disseminate them via antenatal clinics to reach every pregnant woman and inform her of the effects of psychological status and bullying on reproductive health.
Research Keywords
Bullying, Psychological Wellbeing, Reproductive Health, Pregnant Women