Hajar Pashaa, Mahbobeh Faramarzib*, Mohammad Chehrazic, Maria Esfandyarid, Shiva Shafierizid
aInfertility and Reproductive nHealth Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran, bSocial Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran, cDepartment of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran, dStudent ResearchCommittee, Department of Midwifery, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
Open Access funded by Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation
Abstract
Objectives: The study investigated the role of social capital, self‑efficacy, and depression as determinants of stress during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: In a cross‑sectional study, 200 low‑risk pregnant women with at least 5 years of education and ages 18 or more were enrolled in public obstetric clinics of Babol University of Medical Sciences. The participants completed four questionnaires including Social Capital, Revised Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (NuPDQ), Perceived Stress, and General Self‑efficacy. Results: Women at late phase of pregnancy had lower mean scores of total social capital (61.5 ± 17.1 vs. 47.1 ± 18.1) and self‑efficacy (60.1 ± 9.7 vs. 55.1 ± 15.2) compared to those at early pregnancy. Social capital was the negative independent variable associated with pregnancy‑specific stress in the adjusted model (β = −0.418, P = 0.020). Both social capital (β = −0.563, P ≤ 0.001) and self‑efficacy (β = −0.330, P ≤ 0.001) were negative independent variables associated with general stress. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that health professionals should note the benefits of social capital in stress management and encourage women in establishing stronger relations and neighborhood environments during pregnancy.
Keywords: Pregnancy, Self‑efficacy, Social capital, Stress
