Anxiety and coping strategies among women with hyperemesis gravidarum in Malaysia

Abstract

Aim: Anxiety is prevalent among women with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), which is associated with coping strategies and bio-psychosocial risk factors. This study aims to predict socioeconomic status (SES) and obstetric factors towards anxiety and stress-coping strategy, and to explore the significant differences in levels of anxiety on each coping strategy. Design: It was a cross-sectional survey in the Malaysian context. Methods: Forty women medically diagnosed with HG were recruited and completed Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) to assess generalized anxiety disorder and coping scale inventory using the Brief COPE questionnaire. Results: The employment status of pregnant women diagnosed with HG significantly predicted their anxiety. Household income and education level predicted emotion-focused coping strategies. None of the obstetric factors predicted the coping strategy. A significant difference was found across anxiety levels in problem-focused and dysfunctional coping strategies. The post-hoc test reveals that dysfunctional coping has the highest mean score in the severe anxiety category. Conclusion: It is essential to promote awareness about effective coping strategies for pregnant women who are diagnosed with HG. Greater efforts are needed to increase the duty of care among healthcare providers to propagate holistic and resourceful coping management with the HG that could help potential patients in the future.

The Psychological Well-Being of Southeast Asian Frontline Healthcare Workers during COVID-19: A Multi-Country Study

“…The recommended threshold score of ≥10, corresponding to moderate anxiety, was used [ 21 ]. The cut-off score of ≥10 has been similarly used in peer-reviewed publications from the included countries [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. The internal consistency of the measure in this study is high, with Cronbach’s α = 0.91.…”

The Relationships Between Multidimensional Symptom Burden, Adaptation, and Depression During Pregnancy: A Cross-sectional Study

“…Previous studies have illuminated the complex emotional journey of pregnant individuals concerning bodily changes. They endure physical discomfort while actively learning strategies to alleviate these discomforts (Ceprnja et al, 2022; Khodabakhsh & Ramasamy, 2021; Nazik & Eryilmaz, 2014l; Wu et al, 2023). Research has explored the psychological characteristics that explain these experiences.…”

“…Some pregnant individuals find it challenging to accept these changes due to their unadjusted mental state, while others report positive thoughts counteracting the discomforts (Bergbom et al, 2017). Embracing bodily changes encourages a sense of harmony and tranquility, whereas ineffective coping is correlated with adverse mental health outcomes (Khodabakhsh & Ramasamy, 2021; Lehti, 2016).…”

Effects of supportive counseling using a positive psychology approach on coping patterns among pregnant women with nausea and vomiting

“…Additionally, hyperemesis gravidarum and low quality of life negatively affect coping with pregnancy and the role of motherhood [ 4 ]. A poorer adaptation to pregnancy is associated with prenatal stress, depression, and anxiety [ 5 ]. On the other hand, poor psychological adjustment was directly related to the severity of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and the perceived stress level was inversely related to the perceived social support [ 6 ].…”

“…This method is comparable to other treatments such as pharmaceutical treatment [ 12 ]. To deal with pregnancy challenges such as pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting requires some kind of physical and mental adaptation [ 5 ]. There are several reasons why this method is effective in reducing negative emotions but not coping with pregnancy among women with NVP.…”