Perceived Stress and Related Factors in Iranian High-Risk Pregnant Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy with high-risk factors can lead to adverse emotional experiences for the expectant mother. Objective: This study aimed to explore perceived stress and contributing factors among expectant mothers with high-risk pregnancies. Methods: In 2022, a descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 150 high-risk pregnant mothers in comprehensive health centers in Hamadan, Iran. Convenience sampling was used to select participants. The study involved pregnant women between 24-36 weeks of gestation. The participants completed the demographic questionnaire and Cohen's perceived stress scale in a self-reported and written form. The cut point of 21.8 indicated a high stress level. Univariate and multivariate regression were used to determine the relationship between demographic-obstetric variables and perceived stress levels. Statistical analysis was carried out using Stata-13 software. A significance level of 0.05 was utilized in the analysis. Results: The mean stress score was 33.32 (9.51). Maternal perceived stress was higher with longer gestational age, history of COVID-19 infection, or renting a house, increasing the stress score by 0.85, 7.68, and 6.54, respectively. Conclusion: The study findings indicated that mothers with high-risk pregnancies experience high levels of perceived stress, which intensifies as their gestational age progresses or if they contract COVID-19 or have unstable housing. The results of this study can help policymakers, planners, and healthcare providers, such as midwives and nurses, in creating and implementing programs to decrease stress and its adverse effects in women with high-risk pregnancies.